IMPHAL, July 8: In a significant step towards digital governance and ease of travel, the Manipur government on Tuesday officially launched a digital Inner Line Permit (ILP) registration system at Imphal Airport. The system is designed to issue ILPs within just three minutes, marking the first digital rollout of its kind in the state.

Airport officials confirmed that the new ILP kiosk offers a streamlined, user-friendly interface, allowing visitors to register quickly upon arrival. Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, IAS, along with the Airport Director and other key officials, reviewed and tested the system on Tuesday.

“This digital ILP initiative is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the permit process and improve the overall experience for travellers entering the state,” an official said.

The digital system is part of the state’s broader effort to modernise travel infrastructure and reduce bureaucratic delays. Officials added that similar kiosks will soon be installed at Jiribam and Mao—two other major entry points into Manipur.

The Inner Line Permit is mandatory for all non-Manipur residents entering the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. It serves as a legal travel document aimed at safeguarding the rights and culture of indigenous communities.

Authorities also reminded travellers that individuals without Manipur-issued Aadhaar cards must obtain an ILP before entering the state.

The digitisation of the ILP process is expected to ease access for tourists, business visitors, and others, while ensuring that regulatory safeguards remain intact. The initiative is being lauded as a landmark move that balances administrative efficiency with the protection of local interests.