Sikkim to roll out QR-based permits as state overhauls high-altitude travel rules

The Sikkim government is preparing to modernise how permits are issued for visits to high-altitude and border-adjacent areas, replacing its paper-based process with a fully digital system, a senior official confirmed on November 22.

The Tourism Department’s Additional Chief Secretary, CS Rao, said the new platform will eliminate manual procedures for Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP), easing access to popular destinations including Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Lachen, Lachung and Zuluk. Travellers will be able to apply online and obtain QR-coded permits, designed to speed up checks at security points.

“The new platform will synchronise data across agencies, such as tourism, police, transport and the Army, allowing real-time verification. Trial runs are currently being conducted with a limited group of operators. We expect a wider rollout soon,” he said.

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Rao added that the initiative forms part of a broader government effort to minimise delays, facilitate smoother tourist movement and maintain closer oversight in sensitive regions.

Push to reopen Chungthang–Lachen corridor by December

In a separate development, Chief Secretary R Telang directed all departments to ensure the reopening of the Chungthang–Lachen axis in Mangan district by December. He issued the instructions while chairing a review meeting at the Tashiling Secretariat.

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“All departments and implementing agencies must work in unison to remove bottlenecks without delay, and ensure that the Chungthang-Lachen axis is reopened by December,” he said.

Representatives from the 27 Mountain Division, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Roads & Bridges and Land Revenue departments, along with the district collectors of Gangtok and Mangan, were present for the review.

Officials briefed the chief secretary on ongoing works, including road restoration, bridge repairs and landslide clearance along the Dikchu–Mangan and Chungthang–Lachen stretches. They also reported progress on other BRO projects across the state.

According to officials, construction of the Taram Chu bridge has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Once finished, the bridge will allow the full reopening of the Chungthang–Lachen route.