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Mizoram's New Rail Line Spurs Over 22,500 ILP Issuances at Sairang Station

Since the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line in September 2025, the Mizoram government's ILP counter at Sairang station has issued over 22,500 permits to visitors. The new rail link, flagged off by the Prime Minister, includes direct train services to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, facilitating an average of 400 new ILP issuances daily. Most visitors arrive from Delhi, West Bengal, southern states, and neighboring Northeastern regions. However, officials report a significant challenge due to acute manpower shortages at the ILP counter and Government Railway Police, impacting permit verification and law enforcement.

Key Points: Mizoram ILP Issuances Surge After New Railway Line Inauguration

  • 22,500+ ILPs issued since Sept 2025
  • Rail line inaugurated by PM Modi
  • Average 400 fresh ILPs daily
  • Manpower shortage a challenge
  • ILP protects indigenous identity
2 min read

Mizoram: Over 22,500 ILPs issued at Sairang railway station since launch of new rail line by PM Modi, say officials

Over 22,500 Inner Line Permits issued at Sairang station since PM Modi launched the Bairabi-Sairang rail link, boosting travel to Mizoram.

"over 22,500 ILPs were issued from the official counter at Sairang railway station - Mizoram Home Department Official"

Aizawl, Jan 9

Over 22,500 Inner Line Permits have been issued from the Sairang railway station office of the Mizoram government to different categories of visitors since the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang new railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13 last year, officials said on Friday.

An ILP is an official travel document issued to Indian citizens and non-indigenous persons for entry into protected areas of the Northeast region, including Mizoram.

An official of the Mizoram Home Department said that over 22,500 ILPs were issued from the official counter at Sairang railway station to tourists, professionals, traders, migrant workers and others from different states between September 13, 2025, and January 8 this year.

The Home Department had set up the ILP counter at Sairang railway station after the Prime Minister inaugurated the 51.38-km-long Bairabi (near southern Assam)-Sairang (near Aizawl) rail section on September 13.

On the same day, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Rajdhani Express connecting Aizawl with New Delhi, along with two other trains linking Aizawl with Kolkata and Guwahati. On an average, about 400 fresh ILPs are issued daily, as normally two passenger trains arrive at the Sairang railway station every day.

Most visitors come from Delhi, West Bengal and southern states, with the highest number from neighbouring Assam and other Northeastern states, the official said.

However, the official pointed out that an acute manpower shortage in the Government Railway Police (GRP) and ILP counter poses a major challenge in maintaining law and order, issuing ILPs and verifying permits.

The ILP system, aimed at protecting the identity and existence of indigenous people, is currently in force in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. Many organisations have been demanding to introduce the ILP in Meghalaya and Tripura.

The ILP regime operates under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, notified by the British government in 1875, which allows Indian citizens to visit ILP-enforced states and areas for a limited period and for specific purposes.

For visiting Mizoram, ILPs can be obtained from Mizoram government counters at Lengpui Airport (Aizawl), Shillong, Guwahati, Silchar, Kolkata and New Delhi.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Over 22,500 permits in just a few months shows the pent-up demand to visit Mizoram. The scenic beauty there is unmatched. But the article rightly points out the manpower shortage - if they are issuing 400 ILPs daily, they need more staff to handle the verification properly.
A
Aman W
Good to see infrastructure development reaching the Northeast. However, we must ensure the ILP system's original purpose—protecting indigenous culture—isn't diluted by sheer numbers. Balance is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travelled to Aizawl last year, the process was smooth. The new train will make it so much easier for tourists from Delhi and Kolkata. The people of Mizoram are incredibly warm and welcoming.
K
Karthik V
The railway line is a game-changer! But the government must address the GRP staff shortage immediately. Can't have law and order challenges with such high footfall. Safety first for both visitors and locals.
N
Nisha Z
Interesting that most visitors are from Assam and other NE states. Shows how important intra-region connectivity is for business and family visits. Hope the ILP system in other states like Meghalaya also gets streamlined.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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