How to Go Mizoram from Delhi by Train

Travelling from Delhi to Mizoram by train isn’t just a journey — it feels like watching India change scene by scene, like a long movie where every hour adds a new colour. The moment you step onto the platform at New Delhi Railway Station with your backpack, a bottle of water, and that little excitement bubbling inside, you already know this trip is going to be different. You’re not just going from one state to another; you’re crossing cultures, climates, and landscapes that look nothing like each other.

As the train slowly pulls out of Delhi, the city noise softens, and the railway tracks stretch out like a long silver thread guiding you toward the Northeast. Farms replace skyscrapers, open skies replace concrete, and somewhere between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar you realise — you’re moving towards a place where life slows down, where the air feels younger, and where every hill looks like it’s waiting to tell its own story.

But the real magic begins when you leave Silchar in a shared Sumo heading toward Aizawl. The road winds through hills that rise and fall like giant ocean waves, and the air gets cooler with every turn. You pass bamboo forests, mountain villages, kids waving from wooden houses, and clouds drifting so close you can almost touch them. It’s slow, raw, and breathtaking — a reminder that sometimes the best journeys are not the fastest ones, but the ones that show you a new world, little by little.

The New Gateway: Direct Rail Connectivity to Mizoram

For many years, travellers had to reach as far as Silchar (Assam) or Bairabi (Mizoram) and complete the rest of the journey by road. However, a landmark development has changed the travel landscape: the commissioning of the Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line.

The new terminus, Sairang Railway Station (SANG), is now the closest railhead to Aizawl, making a direct train journey from Delhi a reality.

Nearest Railhead to Aizawl

• Sairang Railway Station (SANG): Approximately 20-21 km from Aizawl city centre. This is your primary destination station.

🚆 Step 1: The Direct Train from Delhi to Sairang

The most convenient way to travel is by taking the new, direct Rajdhani Express service connecting Delhi to Sairang.

The Flagship Train: Sairang-Anand Vihar Terminal Rajdhani Express

This train is a premier service that connects the national capital with the newly integrated state of Mizoram.

Feature	Details
Train Number	20508 (ANVT $\to$ SANG – Down Journey)
Departure Station	Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi (ANVT)
Destination Station	Sairang, Mizoram (SANG)
Distance Covered	Approximately 2,515 km
Approximate Travel Time	~42 to 45 hours (Varies slightly by direction/schedule)
Service Frequency	Weekly (Check latest IRCTC schedule)
Coach Classes	AC First Class (1A), AC 2 Tier (2A), AC 3 Tier (3A)

Travel Tip: As this is a weekly service, it is crucial to book your tickets well in advance (at least 60 days) to secure a reservation, especially for preferred classes like AC First Class and AC 2 Tier. Always confirm the latest timetable and availability on the official IRCTC website or app.

Key Route Highlights

The train passes through several major states, offering a long and scenic journey across the Indian heartland and into the Northeast. Major stops may include:

• Kanpur Central
• Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughalsarai)
• Patna Junction
• Malda Town
• New Jalpaiguri
• Guwahati
• Badarpur Junction
• Bhairabi

🎟️ Step 2: Booking and Estimated Costs

Booking is done entirely through the official Indian Railways system (IRCTC).

Booking Process

1. Visit the official IRCTC website or use their mobile application.
2. Enter ANAND VIHAR TRM (ANVT) as the source station.
3. Enter SAIRANG (SANG) as the destination station.
4. Select your travel date and preferred class.
5. Check availability and proceed with the booking.

Estimated Ticket Price Range

The ticket price for a Rajdhani Express includes catering and varies by class. These are approximate ranges and subject to change by Indian Railways:

Coach Class	Estimated Fare Range (One-Way)
AC First Class (1A)	₹6,000 – ₹8,000
AC 2 Tier (2A)	₹3,600 – ₹4,800
AC 3 Tier (3A)	₹2,500 – ₹3,600

🚗 Step 3: From Sairang to Aizawl

Once you arrive at Sairang Railway Station, the final leg of your journey to Aizawl city is by road.

• Distance: Approximately 20-21 km.
• Time Taken: About 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and hill road conditions.
• Transportation Options:
  • Shared Taxis/Maxi Cabs: The most common and economical option. These are often readily available outside the station.
  • Private Taxis/Cabs: You can hire a full cab for a more comfortable and direct transfer to your hotel. It is highly recommended to pre-book a reliable cab service, especially if arriving late.

Alternative Route: The Traditional Gateway

Before the Sairang line, travellers relied on nearby railheads in Assam and continued by road. This is still a viable option, especially if the direct Rajdhani tickets are unavailable.

Route Via Silchar (Assam)

1. Delhi to Silchar (SCL): Book an express train from Delhi (ANVT/NDLS) to Silchar Railway Station (SCL), which is a major junction in Assam. This leg can take 40-48 hours.
2. Silchar to Aizawl by Road: Silchar is approximately 170-180 km from Aizawl.
3. Mode: You can hire a shared taxi, typically a Sumo or Bolero, from Silchar to Aizawl.
4. Time: The road journey is long and scenic, taking around 6 to 8 hours through winding mountain roads.

⚠️ Note: While this route is an alternative, the direct Rajdhani to Sairang is significantly more time-efficient, cutting down the long bus/taxi journey required from Silchar.

Important Travel Tips

1. Inner Line Permit (ILP) is Mandatory

All Indian citizens (except those who are residents of Mizoram) require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state.

• How to Get It: Apply online via the official Mizoram government portal or obtain it in person from Mizoram Houses in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Silchar.
• Must Have: Keep a physical or digital copy of your ILP ready for inspection upon arrival at Sairang.

2. Book in Advance

The direct Rajdhani service is a weekly train. Due to limited frequency and high demand, especially during peak seasons (October to March), tickets must be booked at least 60-90 days in advance via the IRCTC website.

3. On-Board Comfort

As a Rajdhani Express, meals are included in the fare, and the train offers modern amenities. Pack light layers and essentials for the three-day journey.

This rail journey is not just a mode of transport; it’s a moving feast of India’s changing landscape, from the Gangetic plains to the rolling hills of the Northeast, culminating in the serene and picturesque state of Mizoram.

Conclusion

Travelling from the bustling plains of Delhi to the tranquil hills of Mizoram by train is a long journey but an unforgettable experience. The introduction of the direct Rajdhani Express to Sairang has drastically simplified this route. Embrace the multi-day rail journey, witness the spectacular change in landscape, and prepare yourself for the unique beauty of Mizoram!

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