The newly launched railway connection to Mizoram's capital Aizawl has exceeded all expectations, recording occupancy rates of over 100% within just months of its inauguration. The Sairang-Guwahati Express has become an instant success, demonstrating the pent-up demand for rail connectivity in the northeastern state.
Record-Breaking Occupancy Figures
According to data released by the Railways Ministry, the train service achieved remarkable occupancy rates shortly after its launch. From September 13 to September 30, the service recorded nearly 96% occupancy, which then surged to over 110% during October and November.
The numbers reveal an overwhelming response from passengers. In September alone, 15,150 bookings were made against 14,760 berths on 18 trips from Guwahati to Sairang. The return journey saw 12,353 bookings against 13,490 berths on 17 trips from Sairang to Guwahati.
October and November Performance
The success story continued to grow in the following months. October witnessed 29,304 bookings for Guwahati to Sairang journeys and 28,467 bookings for the return route against a total of 25,420 berths available across 31 trips. This translates to an impressive 114% occupancy rate.
The trend maintained its momentum in November. Data from November 1 to November 18 shows that 17,731 passengers traveled from Guwahati to Sairang, while 16,990 people made the journey in the opposite direction. These numbers were achieved against only 14,800 berths available during this period.
All Classes in High Demand
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that all classes including sleeper, 3A and 2A recorded over 100% occupancy during both October and November. This indicates widespread acceptance across different passenger segments and budget categories.
The service was officially inaugurated on September 13 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flagged off not just the Sairang-Guwahati Express, but also the Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express. This historic event marked the arrival of train services to Mizoram's capital region, with Sairang located approximately 20 kilometers from Aizawl.
The overwhelming response to Mizoram's new rail connectivity underscores the transformative impact of infrastructure development in the northeastern region. The railway link has not only provided convenient transportation but has also opened new economic opportunities for the state, connecting it more effectively with the rest of the country.
