Mizoram Accelerates Tourism Growth With Rail Connectivity, Events And Infrastructure Push

Mizoram is reinforcing its tourism-driven growth strategy, supported by enhanced connectivity, consistent infrastructure development and a focus on destination-led initiatives. As tourism assumes a central role in the state’s economic framework, Mizoram is capitalising on its natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and community engagement to create a sustainable and resilient visitor economy.

The commissioning of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line in September 2025 marked a milestone in improving access to the state, facilitating a notable increase in tourist inflows. Tourist arrivals in Mizoram surged by 145.54 per cent between 2023 and 2024, signalling strong market traction. This momentum has continued into the current year, with visitor numbers already surpassing expectations even before final tallies are completed. With rail connectivity now fully operational, the growth trajectory is poised to gain further momentum. 

Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister for Sports and Tourism, Mizoram said, “This is not just about increasing tourist numbers – it is about reshaping Mizoram’s economic future through tourism. Our vision is to build Mizoram as a premium experiential destination where nature, culture and community come together. Tourism will be a growth engine for rural livelihoods, youth employment and global visibility. Connectivity has opened the door, now we are walking through it with purpose.”

Tourism Calendar 2026

To drive longer, immersive stays, Mizoram Tourism has rolled out the Mizoram Tourism Events & Festival Calendar 2026, launched on 15 December, 2025. The calendar curates major festivals, cultural showcases and sporting events across all seasons, enabling travellers to plan visits in advance and experience the state beyond short stopovers.

From Chapchar Kut and Anthurium Festival to the Mizoram Travel Fest and winter celebrations, the calendar is designed to ensure round-the-year tourism movement, boosting local businesses and community participation.

R. Lalrodingi, Director, Tourism Department, Mizoram, said, “Events are our strategic tourism magnets. The Tourism Calendar 2026 is a market-driven tool. We studied travel trends and curated experiences that make visitors stay longer, explore deeper and spend locally. Our goal is to move from seasonal tourism to a year-round tourism economy.”

Rs 395 Crore Infra Push

Backing its tourism ambitions with strong public investment, Mizoram is currently executing projects worth Rs 395.04 crore under central and externally aided schemes. These include eco-resorts, ropeways, heritage centres, pilgrimage circuits, convention infrastructure and farm tourism roads under flagship programmes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, NESIDS and SASCI. 

Parallelly, the state’s Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme is empowering tourism entrepreneurs across homestays, transport services, catering, travel operations and souvenir businesses. Under a special package, 100 rural homestays will be developed over the next two years, placing communities at the heart of Mizoram’s tourism growth.

The Director added, “Infrastructure is only meaningful when it creates livelihoods. Every ropeway, eco-resort and homestay is designed to generate local employment and retain tourism revenue within villages.”

AIHM 2026: Mizoram’s Flagship Sports Tourism Brand 

A key pillar of Mizoram’s destination strategy is the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026, scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. After a successful debut in 2025 with 1,500 runners, the second edition is expected to attract around 5,000 national and international participants, further strengthening Aizawl’s presence on India’s sports tourism map.

Captain Rahul Bali, MD, Innovations India and Curator, AIHM said, “AIHM is designed as a destination event, not just a race. Our team is executing a national outreach strategy, route optimization, athlete engagement programmes and digital campaigns to make AIHM a benchmark sporting event in Northeast India. Every runner becomes a brand ambassador for Mizoram.”

With a prize pool exceeding Rs 15 lakh, AFI accreditation and improved rail connectivity boosting participation, AIHM is expected to benefit local hotels, transport operators, eateries and artisans.

Through integrated planning across infrastructure, entrepreneurship, events and sports, Mizoram aims to further strengthen its positioning as a high-value tourism destination rooted in authenticity, sustainability and community ownership.