Context:

On January 16, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at seven major airports across India. 

The initiative was launched in cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad, with the inauguration ceremony taking place in Ahmedabad.

Significance of the Launch

·        This milestone follows the FTI-TTP's initial launch at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi in June 2024, marking seven months of successful implementation.

·         The programme aims to accelerate and streamline immigration clearance for both Indian nationals and OCI cardholders, using biometric authentication and automated e-gates to ensure a faster and more secure travel experience.

·        The FTI-TTP aligns with India’s "Viksit Bharat" 2047 initiative, seeking to transform the nation’s infrastructure and travel experience, positioning India as a global leader in the future of immigration services.

About FTI-TTP Programme

·        The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is an advanced immigration system designed to expedite the immigration clearance process for international travelers.

·        By leveraging automated e-gates and biometric authentication, it ensures that passengers can complete their immigration procedures efficiently and securely, minimizing wait times.

Aim of the Programme

• Faster Immigration: The primary goal of FTI-TTP is to enable quicker, more efficient immigration clearance, reducing long queues and wait times for international travelers.
• Enhanced Security: The use of biometric verification enhances the security and accuracy of the immigration process.
• Seamless Travel: The initiative seeks to improve the overall travel experience for passengers, offering a smooth transition from entry to exit at airports.

Features of the Scheme

·        Automated E-Gates: Passengers can complete their immigration procedures without manual intervention, making the process faster and more efficient.

·        Biometric Authentication: A secure system where biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial scans) are used to authenticate passengers, ensuring a high level of security and reducing the possibility of identity fraud.

·        Online Registration: Passengers need to register through the official FTI-TTP portal before their travel, uploading necessary documents to complete their application.

·        Validity: The FTI-TTP registration remains valid for the duration of the passport's validity or five years, whichever comes first.

Phases of Implementation

• Phase 1: The program initially covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders at 21 major airports across the country, including the new airports launched in January 2025.
• Phase 2: In the next phase, the program will extend to foreign travelers as well, making the system more inclusive and improving international mobility.