Explained: What is DigiYatra, the contactless passenger processing system for airports

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What is DigiYatra, the contactless passenger processing system for airports” published in Indian Express on 16th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Delhi International Airport Ltd(DIAL) run by GMR has announced the soft launch of the Centre’s DigiYatra initiative, rolling out the beta version of its app for Android platforms. 

What is DigiYatra?

The ‘DigiYatra’ is a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel experience(BEST) based on Facial Recognition Technology.

It aims to provide a paperless and seamless travel experience to the passengers.

With this technology, passenger entry would be automatically processed based on the facial recognition system at all checkpoints including entry into the airport, security check areas and aircraft boarding etc.

Who is implementing DigiYatra?

The project is being implemented by the DigiYatra Foundation — a joint-venture company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.

DigiYatra Foundation will be the custodian of the passenger ID validation process.It will also define the criteria for compliance and guidelines for the local airport systems.

How can people avail the DigiYatra facility?

To use this facility, passengers will need to first download the DigiYatra app. 

Users can register on the app using Aadhaar credentials followed by a selfie with the Aadhaar card. After this, vaccination details using CoWIN credentials will have to be added to the app.

Then, the person will have to scan his or her boarding pass with the QR code or Barcode after which the credentials will be shared with the airport.

For entry into the airport, passengers will need to scan their boarding passes at the e-gate and look into the facial recognition system camera installed there. A similar method will be applicable for entry into other checkpoints.

What are the benefits of DigiYatra?

Firstly, it will make the boarding process significantly faster and more seamless as each passenger would need less than three seconds at every touchpoint. Their face would act as their documents, like ID proof, Vaccine proof and also act as a boarding pass.

Secondly, it will ensure enhanced security at the airport as the passenger data is validated with the Airline’s Departure Control System thereby only designated passengers can enter the terminal.