In a move aimed at enhancing passenger experience and streamlining airport processes, the government plans to expand the Digi Yatra initiative to 14 additional airports in the near future. Notably, the facility will also be made available for foreign citizens, marking a significant stride in leveraging technology for seamless air travel.
Currently operational at 13 airports across the country, Digi Yatra facilitates contactless and hassle-free movement of passengers through various checkpoints at airports, utilising Facial Recognition Technology (FRT).
Which airports will get Digi Yatra?
The expansion plans include introducing Digi Yatra at airports such as Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Coimbatore, and several others by March this year. The list of airports set to implement Digi Yatra also includes Dabolim, Mopa Goa, Indore, Bagdogra, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Srinagar, and Vishakhapatnam, according to officials’ statements on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the initiative is slated to be extended to 11 more airports by 2025, showcasing the government’s commitment to modernising air travel infrastructure.
Govt to introduce e-passport based enrollment
Among the upcoming plans, the government intends to introduce e-passport based enrollment, which will enable foreign citizens to avail themselves of the Digi Yatra facility seamlessly.
Highlighting the success of Digi Yatra thus far, officials pointed to a significant growth in the number of app users from December 2022 to November 2023. Additionally, the analysis revealed that the app has contributed to reducing processing time for passengers at entry and boarding gates, further enhancing the overall travel experience.
All you need to know about Digi Yatra
Introduced in December 2022, Digi Yatra has gradually expanded its footprint across key airports in India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Pune, Mumbai, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Guwahati. The initiative leverages Aadhaar-based validation and facial recognition technology to securely store passenger data and expedite airport processes.
Passengers opting for Digi Yatra are required to register their details on the DigiYatra app and scan their boarding pass upon arrival at the airport. Subsequently, the facial recognition system at the e-gate validates the passenger’s identity and travel document, enabling seamless entry into the airport premises.
It’s important to note that Digi Yatra operates under strict data privacy measures, with passenger information stored in encrypted format. The Digi Yatra Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, serves as the nodal body overseeing the initiative’s implementation and operation.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated that Digi Yatra participation is voluntary for air passengers, emphasising the importance of obtaining passengers’ consent for data collection. This reaffirmation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring passenger privacy and security amidst technological advancements in air travel.