More than 22,000 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been issued to visitors arriving at Sairang railway station in Mizoram since the start of train services on the new rail line, officials said. The ILP system has been in steady use ever since the Bairabi-Sairang railway line was inaugurated in September last year, opening direct rail access to the state capital area for the first time. According to police officials stationed at the ILP counter, the permits are being issued daily to tourists, traders and migrant workers entering the state by train. An officer posted at the station said that between September 13 and December 31, 2025, a total of 20,914 permits were issued. From January 1 to January 8 this year, another 1,517 ILPs were granted, taking the total number to 22,431.
“Each time a train arrives, around 100 to 200 people apply for ILPs. Usually, two trains reach the station every day,” the officer said. He added that tourists made up a large number of visitors during October and November, while December saw more arrivals of migrant workers and traders.The ILP is a mandatory travel document required for Indian citizens to enter protected areas like Mizoram under the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation. The rule is meant to regulate entry and protect the social and cultural identity of indigenous communities.Officials said there have been occasional cases of people trying to enter without permits. Some beggars were also found travelling without valid documents and were sent back to their native places. Visitors have been arriving from different parts of the country, including Delhi, West Bengal, several southern states and neighbouring Assam, which accounts for the highest number of arrivals.
Police personnel at the station admitted that manpower remains a major concern. Only 20 officers are currently posted at Sairang, handling ILP checks, general law and order, and railway-related duties. The Government Railway Police unit has not yet been formally notified, adding to their workload. “Sometimes trains get delayed and we work till 2 am. We have to report back by 7 am the next day,” an officer said, adding that no extra allowance is provided for railway policing duties. The 51.38-kilometre rail line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025. The project also marked the launch of Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Aizawl with Delhi, along with two other trains linking the state capital to Kolkata and Guwahati.
