India’s Fast Track Immigration Programme

In a major step to modernize airport infrastructure and streamline travel, the Fast Track Immigration (FTI-TTP), also known as the Trusted Traveller Programme, was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in September 2025. This initiative aims to accelerate immigration clearance for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders at designated airports.

The programme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of speed, scale, and scope in facilitating global travel for Indian citizens.

Recent Expansion and Implementation

Initially launched in July 2024 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Fast Track Immigration programme was soon extended to seven major airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. Recently, it expanded further to include Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode, and Amritsar. The government plans to cover 21 major airports across India, including upcoming hubs like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.

Through this expansion, passengers can now experience airport fast track service across most major international gateways in India, reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.

Key Features and Benefits

The Fast Track Immigration India programme provides immigration clearance in 30 seconds, eliminating long queues and manual checks. Registered travellers can scan their boarding pass and passport at e-Gates immigration, where biometric verification ensures secure and seamless processing.

Key benefits include:

• OCI fast track immigration, making travel faster for cardholders

• Automated processing with automated immigration check systems

• Reduced waiting time and enhanced national security

• Convenient fast-track passport clearance for frequent travellers

These features mirror international models like the US Global Entry Programme but are specifically tailored for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

Registration and Step-by-Step Process

Travellers must register on the official portal by submitting personal details and documents. How to register for Fast Track Immigration in India involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official registration portal.

2. Submit personal and passport/OCI details.

3. Provide the required documents for verification (documents required for Fast Track Immigration registration).

4. Complete biometric verification either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or during airport transit.

Officials recommend registration during passport or OCI card issuance to avoid repeated fingerprinting and documentation. This simplified approach encourages maximum participation in the Trusted Traveller Programme India registration.

Impact on International Travel

India has seen a significant surge in international passenger traffic.

Between 2014 and 2024:

• Outbound Indian travellers increased by 73% to 6.12 crore

• Inbound foreign visitors rose by 31% to around 2 crore

• Total international passenger volume increased by 60% to 8.12 crore

The Fast Track Immigration initiative supports this growing mobility by providing faster immigration clearance, improving traveller experience, and promoting India as a global travel hub.

List of Airports with Fast Track Immigration E-Gates

Currently, Fast Track Immigration is operational at:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai

• Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

• Chennai International Airport

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

• Cochin International Airport

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

• Newly added: Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode, Amritsar

Soon, it will expand to cover 21 major airports in India, ensuring nationwide access to Fast Track Immigration services.

Importance for General Awareness

Fast Track Immigration is a significant current affairs topic with relevance in:

• Government initiatives and schemes

• Transport and infrastructure development

• International relations and travel facilitation

Understanding this initiative helps readers stay informed about India’s efforts to modernize airport operations and ensure secure, efficient travel for both Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

Final Thoughts

The Fast Track Immigration (FTI-TTP), also called the Trusted Traveller Programme, is a new initiative launched by the Government of India to simplify and speed up immigration at airports. It allows pre-verified Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to use e-Gate immigration systems where biometric verification ensures clearance within just 30 seconds.

First introduced at Delhi Airport in 2024, the service has now expanded to major hubs like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and recently to airports in Lucknow, Amritsar, Kozhikode, and more. The goal is to cover 21 airports, including upcoming ones at Navi Mumbai and Jewar.

Registration is simple: travellers submit personal details, provide documents, and complete biometrics either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or during airport transit. Once approved, users enjoy a hassle-free fast fast-track passport clearance experience. This programme not only reduces waiting time for millions of passengers but also strengthens security through advanced automated immigration checks.