The Digi Yatra initiative, aimed at providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for passengers at airports, has been implemented at 13 airports in India. This ambitious project leverages biometric-based travel through Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to streamline the security check process and enhance passenger convenience.
As of now, the Digi Yatra facility is operational in key airports including New Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Guwahati. These airports together handle about 85% of the country’s domestic air passenger traffic.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to address congestion at airports. Measures include increasing security manpower, advancing security technologies, and expanding security equipment. Additionally, to tackle congestion, the number of X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems (XBIS) has seen a significant increase, along with the addition of more manpower, departure entry gates, check-in counters, and immigration counters.
Looking ahead, the Digi Yatra facility is set to expand significantly. By the end of 2024, it’s expected to cover 25 more airports, bringing the total to 38. This expansion will encompass approximately 95% of the country’s domestic air traffic, significantly broadening the reach and impact of this technology.
The process for passengers to avail of the Digi Yatra service is straightforward. It involves registering on the DigiYatra app with Aadhaar-based validation and a self-captured image. Passengers then scan their boarding pass, and the credentials are shared with the airport. At the e-gate, a facial recognition system validates the identity and travel document of the passenger, allowing them to enter through the e-gate. Despite this advanced process, passengers are required to follow the normal procedure for security clearance and boarding the aircraft.
The Digi Yatra Foundation, a not-for-profit company, is the nodal body for this initiative. Its shareholders include several major airport authorities and operators in India, reflecting a broad-based commitment to improving passenger experiences at airports across the country.