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Since the Bairabi Sairang railway line began operations last September, more than 22,500 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been issued at Mizoram's Sairang station. The permits, required for Indian citizens and non-indigenous visitors entering protected areas, were mostly granted to tourists, traders, migrant workers, and professionals. Daily, around 400 permits are processed as two passenger trains arrive at the station. Most visitors come from Assam, Delhi, West Bengal, and southern states. The surge in permits reflects growing use of the new rail link and administrative efforts to manage mobility while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The Bairabi Sairang railway line in Mizoram, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last September, has significantly improved access to the state. Since its launch, Sairang railway station has issued over 22,500 Inner Line Permits (ILPs), which are mandatory travel documents for Indian citizens and non-indigenous visitors entering protected areas in the Northeast. Advertisement
Officials from the Mizoram Home Department reported that permits have been granted to a mix of tourists, traders, migrant workers, and professionals. On average, about 400 ILPs are issued daily, corresponding to the arrival of two passenger trains each day. Most travellers come from neighbouring Assam, as well as Delhi, West Bengal, and southern states.
The ILP system is governed under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, which was notified by the British government in 1875. It allows visitors to enter ILP-enforced areas for a limited period and for specific purposes. The regulation helps maintain security and protect local communities while facilitating legal travel.
Since the rail link opened, the daily inflow of visitors has changed the profile of travellers. Initial months saw higher tourist numbers, while recent months show a rise in traders and migrant workers using the rail service. Officials noted that managing the permit counter is challenging due to the limited number of staff handling verification alongside law-and-order responsibilities. The Government Railway Police is yet to be fully notified, adding to operational pressures.
Sairang's experience aligns with broader trends in Mizoram's ILP system. Even before the railway, tens of thousands of permits were issued annually to non-tribal visitors for business, work, and tourism. The railway has now made travel more convenient, while the ILP system continues to regulate and monitor entry into the state effectively.
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