The Mizoram government is working to simplify the Inner Line Permit (ILP) process for passengers arriving in the state by train, following the recent inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line that finally linked the hill state to India’s national rail network. The move is aimed at ensuring smooth entry procedures for visitors while maintaining the regulatory framework that governs travel into the protected tribal state. On October 14, Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga visited the Sairang railway station, located about 20 kilometres from Aizawl, to assess the preparedness of officials in handling the influx of train passengers. The minister interacted with railway staff, police officers, and civil authorities to review the reception arrangements and explore ways to make the ILP issuance process faster and more efficient.
Speaking during the inspection, Sapdanga recalled that the state government had launched an online ILP portal in 2019 to make applications and approvals more accessible. With the introduction of train connectivity, he said, new offline arrangements are also being readied to facilitate non-tribal travellers who arrive without prior permits. “We want to make the system both efficient and passenger-friendly,” he said, noting that the online ILP upgrade is nearing completion. Sapdanga further proposed the creation of separate exit gates at Sairang station — one for travellers who already possess valid ILPs and another for those who need to obtain them upon arrival. According to him, this arrangement would help reduce congestion, ensure proper verification, and prevent unnecessary delays for both groups of passengers. During his visit, the Home Minister also highlighted the urgent need to upgrade the station’s infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand. Officials from the state Home Department and Northeast Frontier (NF) Railways briefed him that each incoming train currently carries between 250 and 300 passengers, many of whom are first-time visitors to the state.
NF Railways Deputy Chief Engineer Harjimal Meena provided updates on several ongoing projects at Sairang station, including the construction of a new rail terminal, which is expected to be completed within the next two years. The plan also includes setting up a tourist facilitation centre that will provide guidance and ILP assistance to travellers on arrival. The introduction of direct train services has been hailed as a milestone in Mizoram’s connectivity journey. The 51.38-kilometre Bairabi–Sairang railway line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, now connects Mizoram with major destinations like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
