More Kolkata flyers opt for fast-track immigration
Times of India | 20 April 2025
Kolkata: Around 2,000 international passengers flying out of Kolkata or into the city have enrolled themselves for the fast-track immigration system with average daily registrations increasing from 3 to 4 in Jan to around 30 to 35 now. With the airport publicizing the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveler Program (FTI-TTP) that enables Indians and foreigners of Indian origin — Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders — to waltz through immigration process, bypassing long queues at immigration counters, officers expect the count to go up to 50 a month by April-end. This automated process reduces standard processing time by 75%
Around 6,000 international passengers use the Kolkata airport daily.
"The FTI-TTP platform is somewhat like the DigiYatra facility for domestic travellers where wait times are reduced," explained an official. The Airports Authority of India has ramped up publicity of the program at the airport.
"There are standees and display videos on FTI-TTP at vantage points in international wing of the integrated terminal. The information is also being screened on display board near gate 3C in international wing," said an airport official. Kolkata airport has deployed eight e-gates for the fast-track immigration service. The automated system operates without staff intervention. Passengers follow a sequential process: scanning travel documents, providing fingerprints, and capturing photos at e-gate. Upon successful verification, the gates open automatically, granting immigration clearance.
To use the facility, passengers are required to pre-register at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in submit biometric data, and undergo background verification. Upon approval, they complete biometric enrolment at either the airport or at the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on AJC Bose Road in Kolkata. "The biometric enrolment takes around 10-20 seconds. There is a dedicated immigration counter where it is done at the airport round-the-clock. At the FRRO, one can do the biometric between 10 am and 6 pm," an official said. International travellers occasionally encountered biometric verification issues. An official said the system was being updated to improve functionality.