Sikkim is preparing to modernise its permit issuance system for travel to high altitude and border sensitive areas, with the government set to shift the entire process to a digital platform, a senior official said on Saturday.
Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary CS Rao said the new mechanism is designed to replace manual paperwork for Restricted Area Permits and Protected Area Permits and will streamline visits to locations such as Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Lachen, Lachung and Zuluk.
According to Rao, travellers will be able to apply online and receive QR based permits, which will allow quicker checks at various security points. He added that the platform will synchronise data across agencies including tourism, police, transport and the Army to enable real time verification.
“Trial runs are currently being conducted with a limited group of operators. We expect a wider rollout soon,” he said.
Rao noted that the initiative is part of the state’s effort to reduce delays, ease tourist movement and maintain efficient oversight in sensitive zones.