The increasing user base of the Digi Yatra app necessitated the transition from the old to the new application, a senior official in charge of the biometric-based mobile facility for airport entry told FE, even as the move faced criticism from some users.
According to Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation, the move was necessary to provide improved services and greater convenience.
The logic behind the transition comes after users of the app complained about the abrupt switch over from the old to the new application to access facilities provided by Digi Yatra.
“We understand and acknowledge that any change may cause initial disruptions. Our team is actively addressing any issues that may have arisen as a result of this transition,” Khadakbhavi told Fe.
“We are upgrading our backend ecosystems and changing our Android and iOS Apps to enhance the robustness, scalability, and serviceability of your Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem and the DY Apps.”
Currently, Digi Yatra has been used 19 million times across 14 airports by 4.5 million users, and these numbers are set to increase exponentially due to the rise of air traffic demand in the country, said Khadakbhavi.
“By 2025, we aim to add 24 more airports, bringing the total number to 38.”
Meanwhile, the Center is said to be working on a strategy to implement Digi Yatra for international travel.
In January, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held a meeting with airport operators in this regard.
Scindia had earlier said the facility will be expanded to 25 more airports across the country in 2024 for domestic passengers. Digi Yatra will be introduced at 14 airports in the first phase, followed by another 11 in the second, he said.
The mobile application aims to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience to passengers at airports. Its main objective is to enhance the passenger experience by eliminating the need for manual verification of tickets and identification documents at multiple touch points.
The system has been effective during peak travel seasons to decongest airport departure terminal areas.
The Digi Yatra facility was first launched at three airports — New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi — in December 2022. In April 2023, it was introduced at Vijayawada, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune airports.