Aizawl | January 28 : Railway extension work from Bairabi to Sairang is in full swing, said Zasanga today who is the chairman of Mizoram state level task force on National Railway Project.
"Though the survey is going on in full speed, but it is impossible to say when it will be finished", said Zasanga who is a retired IPS officer. Central government has entrusted RITES company in the survey purpose. Due to hilly and rugged region with dense forest, survey for the railway track cannot be expedited as planned, he rued. The project chairman while thanking the people’s co-operation in surveying railway track said, "Villagers came out with enthusiasm to help us navigate the best suitable route which will be used as permanent rail track in future and also pleased to see that villagers from Sairang and its adjoining areas are willing to work in the survey department".

Earlier, due to various opposition from NGOs and individuals with regards to the extension of railway track upto Sairang had created unfavourable speculation in Mizoram saying that if railway is extended upto Sairang, the Mizos will be assimilated by the people from mainlain India. They are also of the belief that sooner or later, business establishments, trade and others will be dominated by the outsiders as a result of railway extension.

Rubbishing the critics over the issue, Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla had said that no nation or tribe has ever been assimilated due to construction of railways. He said railway network would not only bring commodities at lower prices, it would be most useful for export of the agriculture and horticulture products from the state that would benefit the farmers. As the state is rich in natural resources like oil and natural gas, railways would be the most important for exploration and transportation of the mineral wealth, Lal Thanhawla added.
Sairang is just 20 kms away from the state capital Aizawl. Railway project has been started since 1997 but due to several reasons the project could not be constructed till now. Altogether Rs. 519.34 crores has been sanctioned by the Railway Board for this project. The new track will be of 51 kms with 16 tunnels.