Digi Yatra is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India with an aim to enhance the air travel experience of passengers by reducing the number of identity and ticket verifications. The implementation of the biometrics-based system is funded by airport operators, with the first phase launched in December 2022 at three airports, and four more to be added by March 2023.
How it Works:
Digi Yatra utilizes facial recognition technology and stores encrypted passenger data on their smartphones, which is deleted within 24 hours after the flight. This system provides a seamless and touchless check-in process, saving time at various airport touchpoints. During the enrolment process, passengers can create a Digi Yatra ID by providing their personal details, which is verified through the central system. The system automatically verifies the passenger’s identity using facial recognition at various check-points such as entry, security, and boarding.
Benefits:
Digi Yatra offers several benefits to passengers, including a paperless travel experience, minimum human intervention, and shorter queuing time. It enhances security by mapping the passenger with the PNR and allowing only bona fide passengers at check-points. The system also provides real-time information to airport operators for better resource planning and improved airport throughput.
Key Pillars:
Digi Yatra is built on four key pillars: Connected Passengers, Connected Airports, Connected Flying, and Connected Systems. The platform offers several benefits to passengers, including efficient trip planning, quick security clearance through advanced biometric solutions, real-time notifications about congestion and delays, convenient navigation through the airport, and the option to link Aadhaar for faster airport entry.
Roadmap:
Digi Yatra’s central platform will be operational by the end of February 2023, with pilot implementation at Bangalore and Hyderabad. AAI plans to roll out the program at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune, and Vijayawada by April 2023.
Expansion:
Digi Yatra’s paperless check-in and boarding service will be extended to four more airports – Kolkata, Pune, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad – in March 2023. The project is currently in the implementation stage and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the work for the implementation of the Biometric Boarding System has been awarded to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at these airports.
Conclusion:
Digi Yatra is a voluntary facility for air travelers in India, providing a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. The facial biometrics-based system enhances security, saves time, and offers several other benefits to passengers, making air travel more convenient and efficient. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to the vision of a digitally empowered society, and Digi Yatra is a step towards realizing this goal.