Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim is launching an AI-powered single-window system to manage travel permits for restricted zones. The move covers spots like Nathula Pass and North Sikkim. It aims to modernize tourism and fix visitor management. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister T.T. Bhutia led a stakeholder meeting at Paryatan Bhawan to explain the plan. Attendees included Advisor Sudesh Kumar Subba, STDC Chairman Lukendra Rasaily, and IG Checkpost Hari Chettri.
The platform uses geofencing to lock out unauthorized users. Only Sikkim-registered travel agencies can log in to generate permits. The system forces payment to local operators before any clearance happens. It also allows flexible vehicle allocation based on changing weather or terrain. Bhutia said the platform was designed to simplify permit issuance while strengthening regulatory oversight. The portal also features integrated payment tracking and simplified check-post exit verification.
The state has also fixed standard fees for garbage collection and conservation. This cuts down on confusing multiple charges across routes. Physical upgrades at Nathula Pass now include new stairways, escalators, and larger parking lots. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Raj Kumar Yadav detailed new rate charts for Baba Mandir, Doklam, Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang, and Gurudongmar. These changes stem from a November 2025 mandate by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Tourism Secretary Hondala Gyaltsen said the change answers long-term demands from the industry. Stakeholders, including local police and transport groups, supported the transition during the session. Joint Director Sonam Rinchen ended the meeting with a formal vote of thanks.
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