Improved rail links drive surge in visitors; 22,000 ILPs issued at Sairang

More than 22,000 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been issued to visitors at Mizoram’s Sairang railway station since the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line in September 2025. The ILP is a required document for Indian citizens entering protected areas like Mizoram, established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. From September 13 to December 31, 2025, 20,914 permits were issued, with an additional 1,517 permits between January 1 and January 8, 2026, culminating in a total of 22,431 permits.

On average, 100 to 200 ILPs are issued per train, with two trains arriving daily. Tourist traffic was notably high in October and November, whereas December saw an influx of migrant workers and traders, predominantly from Assam, Delhi, and various southern states. However, multiple violations related to ILP checks have been reported, necessitating immediate action against individuals attempting to enter without valid permits.

Local police have faced significant challenges due to a manpower shortage, as no Government Railway Police (GRP) unit has been officially established. Currently, only 20 personnel manage all GRP-related tasks and law enforcement duties at the station. Officers highlighted the difficulties in coping with heavy passenger traffic, sometimes exceeding 1,500 to 2,000 passengers arriving at once, while also noting the lack of additional compensation for their extended working hours, which often extend late into the night.