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India’s first Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme sees over 19,000 enrolments! Programme a replica of US global entry scheme

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The programme mirrors the US global entry programme and it has been adapted for Indian requirements.

India’s first Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme: Since June this year, more than 19,000 Indian and foreign nationals with Overseas Card of India (OCI) have registered for India’s inaugural Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP).
Officials confirmed that whilst initially available only at Delhi airport, the service has expanded to 31 international airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad.
Officials indicated that whilst the programme mirrors the US global entry programme, it has been adapted for Indian requirements. This initiative followed the US’s offer to include India in its trusted travellers programme. The US Global Entry offers precheck benefits and expedited US Customs and Border Protection screening for international travellers entering the US with valid documentation.
Officials familiar with the development told ET that the Global Entry Programme (GEP), by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), registered 1,491 individuals in August and 515 in September. They anticipate the total enrolments to exceed 20,000 by year-end.
The programme mandates biometric submission for all applicants, without which enrolment is not possible.
A senior government official informed ET, “For any one between 12 and 18 years, email id and mobile number of parents or guardians may be used for the purpose of FTI-TTP registration and those below 12 years or above 70 are not eligible for trusted travellers programme. The registration process usually takes a month with verification done by the field agencies.”
The programme has attracted frequent global travellers, OCI card holders, high net worth individuals, chief executive officers and businessmen. Officials report that the e-Gates have achieved 60-65% faster immigration clearance for passengers.
According to the programme guidelines: “Eligible individuals can apply online for the fast-track immigration facility. Those with approved applications are called to submit their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) at the international airports in India or the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices.”
Registration validity extends to five years or until passport expiry, whichever occurs first.
Another official explained, “FTI-TTP aims to facilitate international mobility with faster, smoother, secure immigration clearance. In the initial phase, it has been started for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders on a gratis basis.”





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Indian Railways plans centrally heated sleeper train, special Vande Bharat chair car for Kashmir – check features

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For the Katra-Baramulla route, an eight-coach Vande Bharat train with chair car seating will be introduced. (AI image for representative purpose)

Indian Railways eyes two special trains for Jammu & Kashmir! Indian Railways plans to introduce two new train services to enhance Kashmir connectivity in the coming month.
A centrally heated sleeper train will operate between New Delhi and Srinagar, offering a 13-hour journey through snow-covered mountains and across the 359-m-high Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The train will provide premium comfort but will not include second-class sleeper coaches, sources told ET.
Previously it was being speculated that the Vande Bharat sleeper would debut on the Kashmir route, but that doesn’t appear to be the case now.

Vande Bharat for Katra-Baramulla Route in Jammu & Kashmir

  • For the Katra-Baramulla route, an eight-coach Vande Bharat train with chair car seating will be introduced, a senior railway official told the financial daily.
  • The Vande Bharat Express for Jammu & Kashmir also incorporates specialised features including silicon heating pads for water tanks to prevent freezing, and toilets with warm air circulation through specially designed ducts.
  • In a first for Indian Railways, the loco pilots’ front glass contains embedded heating elements to prevent frost formation in sub-zero temperatures.
  • The service will reduce the 246-km Katra-Baramulla journey time to three-and-a-half hours, significantly faster than the current 10-hour bus journey. Baramulla railway station lies 57 km beyond Srinagar.

Jammu & Kashmir Train Connectivity

Jammu & Kashmir Train Connectivity

Katra, which serves as the entry point to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and attracts numerous pilgrims, currently has a 16-coach Vande Bharat Express connection to New Delhi operating six days weekly.
The railway official said, “Once the Katra-Baramulla Vande Bharat becomes operational, likely by late next month, passengers will be able to seamlessly journey from New Delhi to Katra in our existing Vande Bharat and then transfer to the new service to reach Srinagar or Baramulla.”





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Adani spreads wings in aviation, to acquire leading MRO Air Works

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NEW DELHI: The Adani Group, that operates airports in seven cities including Mumbai and is building a greenfield one at Navi Mumbai, is expanding its presence in the aviation space. It is acquiring India’s biggest private sector MRI (maintenance, repair & overhaul) player Air Works for an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore.
Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) has signed a SPA to acquire 85.8% shareholding in Air Works, which does line maintenance, heavy checks, interior refurbishment, painting, redelivery checks, avionics and asset management services for its Indian and global customers.
Air Works does base maintenance for narrowbody, turboprop and rotary aircraft at its facilities in Hosur, Mumbai and Kochi and has regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities of over 20 countries. It also handles defence MRO.
Adani Airports director Jeet Adani said: “The Indian aviation industry stands at a transformative juncture, now the third largest globally and on track to induct over 1,500 aircraft in the coming years. This growth aligns seamlessly with Govt’s vision to connect every corner of our nation, creating unprecedented opportunities in aviation services. For us, creating a presence in the MRO sector is more than just a strategic step — it’s a commitment to building an integrated aviation services ecosystem that strengthens the backbone of India’s aviation infrastructure. Together, we are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s skies,” said
Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said: “This acquisition represents a pivotal step in Adani Defence & Aerospace’s mission to strengthen India’s MRO capabilities. Our vision is to deliver a full-spectrum MRO offering — spanning line, base, component, and engine maintenance — to meet the needs of both commercial and defence aviation sectors. In a time when

aatmanirbharta

in defence is a national imperative, we stand fully committed to scaling domestic capabilities to serve both our armed forces and the broader aviation sector.”





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