Now Just Smile To Enter Airports With The Government’s All-New Digi Yatra Initiative

To make travel easier, the government has just launched the Digi Yatra initiative: a facial recognition technology that will allow you to enter airports without hassle.  By Deepali Sharma

Under the Digi Yatra scheme, unveiled by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, travellers can now enter airports using facial recognition technology. The departure airport will require one-time verification for first timers. Post verification, facial recognition biometric details will be stored in Digi Yatra ID for further travels.

The unique ID will be provided to the citizens for booking tickets through a centralised registration system. The passenger data and the ID will be shared by the airlines with the departure airport of the passenger. The process of making an ID is also very simple; it can be created by registering your name, email-id, mobile number and details of any identity proof like Aadhar.  Optional linking of Aadhar to airlines will make the process easier with faster airport entry and automated check-ins.

This biometric based processing will be a voluntary service and passengers have the option of opting for it or not. The process will be entirely digital void of any paper trail. Passengers will not only be notified about the delay of flights, but will also get to know when their luggage reaches the baggage claim belt.

This Digi Yatra platform will be operational by February 2019, and the new technology will soon be available in Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports. The Airports Authority of India plans to make it operational at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune and Vijayawada airports by April next year, according to the Aviation Ministry.