The Digi Yatra policy, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for passengers at airports through the implementation of a biometric boarding system using Facial Recognition Technology.
The main objective of this initiative is to enhance the passenger experience by eliminating the need for verification at multiple touchpoints and improving throughput using a digital framework. Implementation is being carried out by airport operators, and there is no budgetary support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The airports being covered in the first phase include Delhi, Bangalore, and Varanasi, with other airports being added in a phased manner. The Digi Yatra process uses an FRT-based ecosystem, built by M/s Dataevolve Solutions, and uses encrypted passenger data stored in the passenger’s smartphone.
The data is purged from the system within 24 hours of the flight and results in a touchless passenger validation process, saving time at various airport touchpoints. The Digi Yatra policy is a voluntary facility and a step towards the digital transformation of the aviation sector.
The Digi Yatra policy has received widespread support from the public, and airport operators and airline operators are making in-flight announcements and providing help desk support to create awareness. Publicity is also being done through social media and by displaying banners and films at airports.
The use of biometric boarding systems through Facial Recognition Technology will help to improve the efficiency of airport operations and reduce passenger waiting times. The touchless passenger validation process will also improve the security of the airport and help to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
The Digi Yatra policy is expected to provide numerous benefits for passengers, including the elimination of the need to carry physical boarding passes and IDs, reducing check-in times, and making the boarding process faster and more convenient. Passengers who opt for the Digi Yatra system will be able to save time at security checkpoints, reducing the need to wait in long lines, and improving the overall airport experience.
