HM Amit Shah launches ‘Trusted Traveller Programme’; vows extension to Navi Mumbai, Jewar (Lead)
Amit Shah Expands Trusted Traveller Programme to Boost Fast Immigration at Indian Airports
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken a big step to make travel easier for Indians and overseas citizens. On Thursday, he launched the Trusted Traveller Programme at five more airports: Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Calicut, and Amritsar. Speaking via video from New Delhi, Shah promised to roll out this tourist-friendly service at the new Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports too.
This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting tourism with "speed, scale, and scope." Shah highlighted how the programme simplifies immigration, cuts wait times, and makes the process hassle-free for everyone.
A Quick Look at the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP)
Launched in 2024, the FTI-TTP is a government initiative to speed up immigration clearance. It started at Delhi airport and soon expanded to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Now, it’s live at 13 airports total, with plans for nearly two dozen more.
Right now, Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can sign up. The programme uses biometric e-Gates for a secure, smooth experience. Forget long queues and manual checks—registered travellers get clearance in just seconds, down from the usual 30 minutes.
To join, head to the official portal at https://ftittp.mha.gov.in. Fill out your details online, upload documents, and get your biometrics scanned at a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or airport. At the e-Gate, scan your boarding pass and passport. If everything matches, the gate opens automatically—easy as that!
Shah shared some impressive stats: Around 3 lakh people have registered, and 2.65 lakh have already used it on trips. He urged everyone to spread the word so more travellers benefit. "We’ve built the system; now let’s get maximum people using it," he said, stressing the role of technology and trust.
Tourism Boom Under PM Modi: More Travellers, More Opportunities
Shah pointed out the massive growth in India’s travel scene over the last 11 years. In 2014, 3.54 crore Indians travelled abroad—that jumped 73% to 6.12 crore in 2024. Foreign tourists visiting India rose from 1.53 crore to 2 crore, a 31% increase. Overall, passenger traffic—both incoming and outgoing—shot up 60%, from 5.07 crore to 8.12 crore.
This Trusted Traveller Programme fits right into that growth. It not only boosts convenience but also strengthens national security through pre-verified checks. Early users love it—no more delays, just quick clearance.
A Nod to India’s Cultural Legacy
Shah timed the launch perfectly with history. It’s been 132 years since Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. That moment spotlighted Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma globally, sparking a cultural resurgence that continues today. "This programme lets visitors see the huge changes happening in our country," Shah added.
With these expansions, India aims to welcome more tourists and make international travel a breeze. If you’re an Indian national or OCI holder planning a trip, registering for FTI-TTP could save you time and stress. Keep an eye on updates for Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports—they’re next on the list!
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