Mizoram - Transport Infrastructure

Transport Infrastructure

• Road Network: Mizoram has a road network of around 4,000 km (2,500 mi) or minor or village roads and a small number of national highways. The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. The State is connected to the Indian network through National Highway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state with Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and NH-40A links the State with Tripura.A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has been proposed but the Burmese authorities are unwilling to complete the link.

• Airport: Mizoram has an airport, Lengpui Airport, near Aizawl and this is linked from Kolkata – a 40 minute flight. Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable. Mizoram can also be reached from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km (120 mi), around 6 hours) from Aizawl.

• Railway: There is a rail link at Bairabi rail station but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam, some 6 hours drive from Aizawl. Bairabi is about 110 km (68 mi) and Silchar is about 180 km (110 mi) from the state capital. The Government is now planning to start a broad gauge Bairabi Sairang Railway connection for better connectivity in the state.

• Helicopter: A Helicopter service by Pawan Hans has been started which connects the Aizawl with Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha, Chawngte, Serchhip, Champhai, Kolasib, Khawzawl and Hnahthial.

• Water Ways: Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in Burma along Chhimtuipui River. India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's northern coast, about 160 km (99 mi) from Mizoram. Military government of Burma has committed $10 million for the venture, which is part of the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project., though the connection is arguably of limited use.