Mizoram: Have Over 22,500 ILPs Been Issued at Sairang Railway Station Since the New Rail Line Launch by PM Modi?
Synopsis
Since the launch of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line by PM Modi, over 22,500 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been issued at Sairang railway station. Discover the significance of this milestone and its impact on tourism and local governance in Mizoram.
Key Takeaways
Over 22,500 ILPs issued since the railway line inauguration.
New Bairabi-Sairang railway line enhances accessibility to Mizoram.
Average of 400 permits issued daily.
Challenge of staff shortages at ILP counters.
ILP system protects indigenous identities.
Aizawl, Jan 9 (NationPress) Since the unveiling of the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13 last year, more than 22,500 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been dispensed from the Sairang railway station office of the Mizoram government to various types of visitors, as per official reports released on Friday.
An ILP is an official travel permit granted to Indian citizens and non-indigenous individuals for accessing protected regions in the Northeast, including Mizoram.
An official from the Mizoram Home Department indicated that these ILPs were issued to tourists, professionals, traders, migrant workers, and others hailing from different states between September 13, 2025, and January 8 this year.
Following the Prime Minister's inauguration of the 51.38-km-long Bairabi (located near southern Assam)–Sairang (near Aizawl) rail section on September 13, the Home Department established the ILP counter at Sairang railway station.
On that same day, the Prime Minister also launched the Rajdhani Express service connecting Aizawl with New Delhi, along with two additional trains linking Aizawl with Kolkata and Guwahati. On average, about 400 new ILPs are issued daily, with typically two passenger trains arriving at the Sairang railway station each day.
The majority of visitors originate from Delhi, West Bengal, and southern states, with the largest contingent coming from neighboring Assam and other Northeastern regions, the official noted.
However, the official also highlighted a significant challenge posed by a shortage of personnel in the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the ILP counter, which hampers the maintenance of law and order, the issuance of ILPs, and the verification process.
The ILP system, designed to safeguard the identity and heritage of indigenous populations, is currently implemented in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur. Numerous organizations are advocating for the introduction of the ILP in Meghalaya and Tripura.
The ILP framework operates under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, enacted in 1873 and later notified by the British government in 1875, allowing Indian citizens to visit ILP-regulated states and areas for limited durations and specific purposes.
For those wishing to travel to Mizoram, ILPs can be procured from Mizoram government counters located at Lengpui Airport (Aizawl), Shillong, Guwahati, Silchar, Kolkata, and New Delhi.
Point of View
The issuance of over 22,500 ILPs at Sairang railway station since the new rail line's inauguration marks a significant development in enhancing connectivity and tourism in Mizoram. This initiative not only facilitates easier access for visitors but also poses challenges that need addressing for effective governance and security.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Inner Line Permit (ILP)?
An ILP is an official document required for Indian citizens and non-indigenous individuals to enter protected areas in certain Northeastern states, including Mizoram.
Why was the ILP counter established at Sairang railway station?
The ILP counter was set up to facilitate the issuance of permits to visitors following the inauguration of the new railway line, enhancing travel and tourism in the region.
How many ILPs are typically issued daily at Sairang?
On average, around 400 new ILPs are issued daily at Sairang railway station, responding to the influx of travelers.
What are the challenges faced in ILP issuance?
A significant shortage of personnel in the Government Railway Police and ILP counter hampers the efficient maintenance of order and processing of permits.
How can one obtain an ILP for Mizoram?
ILPs can be obtained at government counters located in Lengpui Airport (Aizawl), Shillong, Guwahati, Silchar, Kolkata, and New Delhi.
