Within months of its debut, the Sairang-Guwahati Express in Mizoram saw an occupancy of over 100%.
On September 13, PM Narendra Modi flagged off the Sairang-Guwahati Express, along with Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express. This marked the arrival of the train for the first time in Mizoram’s capital Aizawl, almost 20 km from Sairang. Railways Ministry data showed that the train’s total occupancy from September 13-30 was nearly 96%, which jumped to over 110% in October and November.
In September, data showed, a total of 15,150 bookings were made against 14,760 berths on 18 trips from Guwahati to Sairang. Similarly, 12,353 bookings were made against 13,490 berths on 17 trips from Sairang to Guwahati. Put together, this is nearly 96% occupancy in both directions during the period.
In October, a total of 29,304 bookings were made for Guwahati to Sairang, and 28,467 bookings for Sairang to Guwahati against 25,420 berths on 31 trips. This is almost 114% occupancy. From November 1-18, 17,731 passengers travelled from Guwahati to Sairang, and 16,990 people from Sairang to Guwahati against 14,800 berths during the period. All classes—sleeper, 3A and 2A—recorded over 100% occupancy during October and November.
