Govt expands Digi Yatra facility to 14 more airports, targets foreign citizens in the future

The government is set to enhance the reach of the Digi Yatra initiative, a contactless and seamless passenger movement system based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT). Currently operational at 13 airports for domestic travelers, officials reveal plans to extend this facility to 14 additional airports, including Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, and Coimbatore, by March this year. The initiative is aimed at simplifying airport processes, reducing processing times, and ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Expansion Plans
The upcoming expansion includes airports such as Dabolim, Mopa Goa, Indore, Bagdogra, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Srinagar, and Vishakhapatnam, with further plans to implement Digi Yatra at 11 more airports in 2025. This move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and modernizing airport operations.
E-Passport Integration for Foreign Citizens

Officials also outline plans for the introduction of e-passport based enrollment, extending Digi Yatra benefits to foreign citizens. This strategic move aligns with the government’s vision to make the system more inclusive, catering to both domestic and international travelers.

Usage and ImpactData analysis indicates a significant surge in Digi Yatra app users from December 2022 to November 2023. The app has proven effective in reducing processing times at entry and boarding gates, showcasing its positive impact on streamlining airport procedures.Operational Procedure

Passengers willing to avail the Digi Yatra service need to register on the DigiYatra app using Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. The stored data is encrypted for security. Upon arriving at the airport, the bar-coded boarding pass is scanned, and the credentials are shared with the airport. At the e-gate, passengers scan the boarding pass, and the facial recognition system validates their identity and travel documents. Once authenticated, passengers can proceed through the e-gate, subsequently following standard security procedures.

Digi Yatra Foundation and Voluntary Participation

Digi Yatra Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, serves as the nodal body for Digi Yatra. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasizes that participation in Digi Yatra is purely voluntary for air passengers. Personnel at airports are instructed to collect data for the application only with the consent of passengers, ensuring privacy and individual choice.

As the government aims to roll out Digi Yatra at more airports and extend its benefits to foreign citizens, the initiative stands as a significant step towards modernizing and simplifying air travel procedures. The voluntary nature of participation and the emphasis on data privacy underscore the government’s commitment to passenger-centric and inclusive air travel experiences.

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