Panaji, Aug 5 (PTI) Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the activation of the Fast-Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for the state, a move that is expected to enable seamless immigration through automated e-gates at airports.
The approval was granted after Khaunte held meetings with Shah and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on Tuesday, where issues relating to tourism connectivity, infrastructure and policy reforms were discussed.
The minister said the FTI-TTP, which is already operational at several airports in the country, will allow registered passengers to complete immigration formalities through biometric-enabled e-gates in less than 30 seconds, reducing waiting time and eliminating manual processing.
According to the minister, the facility will improve the travel experience for Indian passengers, including Goans living abroad, seafarers, students and professionals travelling overseas, while making Goa a preferred entry and exit point for travellers.
He said the initiative would also position Goa favourably when the programme is extended to foreign nationals in the next phase.
“The activation of FTI-TTP in Goa is a transformative step towards enhancing the ease of travel for both Indian and international passengers. Faster immigration, improved passenger convenience and seamless airport experience will strengthen Goa’s competitiveness as an international tourism gateway while directly benefiting our tourism economy and Goan travellers,” Khaunte said.
He thanked Shah for approving the proposal, describing it as a major boost for Goa’s tourism sector.
During his meeting with Shah, Khaunte also submitted proposals seeking Visa-on-Arrival facilities for Goa, periodic anonymised Bureau of Immigration arrival data to aid tourism planning and marketing, and the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa to promote long-term stays by remote workers.
He said Shah assured him that these proposals would be examined while approving the activation of the FTI-TTP for the state.
In his meeting with Shekhawat, Khaunte discussed measures to improve domestic and international air connectivity, including increasing scheduled international flights, better bilateral air service arrangements, deployment of wide-body aircraft on international routes and enhanced connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
The two leaders also reviewed tourism infrastructure projects in Goa being supported by the Centre, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum at Ponda, Porvorim Town Square, Swadesh Darshan Coastal Circuit projects and the rural tourism circuit connecting Porvorim, Pomburpa and Harvalem.
Khaunte said he also sought central support for developing a concert ecosystem, strengthening cruise tourism through Mormugao Port and creating additional tourism infrastructure to generate employment and support local communities.
Shekhawat assured continued support from the Centre for Goa’s tourism development, he added. PTI RPS NP
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