over-22-000-arrivals-recorded-at-mizoram-s-newest-rail-station

More than 22,000 Inner Line Permits (ILPs) have been issued to visitors at Mizoram’s Sairang railway station since the Bairabi–Sairang railway line was opened in September last year, police said on Thursday.

 

An officer posted at the ILP counter at Sairang station said 20,914 permits were issued to tourists, traders and migrant workers between September 13, 2025, and the end of last year, following the inauguration of the rail link. A further 1,517 ILPs were issued between January 1 and 8, taking the total to 22,431.

 

“On average, about 100-200 ILPs are issued every time a train arrives at the station. Generally, two trains arrive every day,” the officer said.

 

The officer noted that tourists formed the majority of visitors in October and November, while migrant workers and traders accounted for most arrivals in December.

 

Police have also detected instances of violations. “On some occasions, we have detected violators, who tried to escape from the station,” the officer said, adding that beggars identified during checks were immediately sent back to their native villages.

 

Visitors arriving at Sairang station have come from several states, including Delhi, West Bengal and southern states, with the highest number from neighbouring Assam.

 

Also read: Mizoram gets first consignment of rail-carried automobiles

 

The police acknowledged facing acute manpower shortages, as they are currently performing Government Railway Police (GRP) duties in addition to maintaining law and order and conducting ILP verification.

 

“Although the GRP is yet to be formally notified, we execute their duties, including controlling traffic and parking. The shortage of manpower is a challenge, especially when 1,500-2,000 passengers arrive at once,” the officer, who requested anonymity, said.

 

At present, 20 policemen are deployed at the station, often working until 2 am due to train delays and resuming duty at 7 am. They do not receive any additional allowances for performing GRP duties, the officer claimed.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang railway line on September 13, 2025, and simultaneously flagged off Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Delhi, along with trains linking Aizawl with Kolkata and Guwahati.