Digi Yatra: Revolutionizing Air Travel with Seamless Digital Boarding

The Digit Yatra initiative is a revolutionary step by the Indian government to make air travel smoother and hassle-free. Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this system uses facial recognition technology  to provide a seamless entry for passengers at airports. It aims to make the check-in and boarding process faster and paperless.

How Does It Work?

Passengers need to register on the Digi Yatra App using their Aadhaar-based verification and a selfie. Aadhar based verification can also directly be integrated by Digi locker.  Once registered, they can scan QR or by the boarding pass, link their flight details with the app. At the airport, facial recognition camera will  scan the passenger’s face and match it with their details, allowing quick entry through security and boarding gates without needing to show physical ID proofs or boarding passes and also no much waiting in the queue.

Key Benefits of Digit Yatra

1. Reduced Waiting Time: It is estimated that the boarding process can be reduced by 50% with facial recognition.
2. Paperless and Contactless: Eliminates the need for physical documents, ensuring a smooth experience.
3. Enhanced Security: The system ensures verified passenger entry, reducing risks of fake identities.
4. Data Privacy: Passenger data is stored in an encrypted format and is deleted within 24 hours after the journey.

Airports and Future Expansion

Currently, Digit Yatra is available at major airports like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Varanasi. The government plans to implement it in 16 airports by 2024, aiming for a nationwide rollout by 2025.

Challenges and Future Scope

While Digit Yatra is a major step in digital aviation, some challenges include privacy concerns, technical glitches, and limited awareness among travellers. However, with continuous upgrades and strong data protection policies, it is expected to transform the Indian aviation sector significantly.

This initiative is a game-changer in India’s digital infrastructure and will make air travel more efficient and traveller-friendly in the coming years.

As of December 2024, the Digi Yatra platform has achieved significant milestones:

• Active Users: Over 9 million active users have registered on the Digi Yatra app.
• Daily App Downloads: The platform experiences an average of 30,000 new app downloads daily, indicating growing adoption among travellers.
• Total Journeys Facilitated: Digi Yatra has facilitated more than 42 million seamless journeys across various airports in India.
• The platform was initially launched in December 2022 at three airports: New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi. Since then, it has expanded to 24 airports.

Daily Passenger and engagement of users at specific airports:

• Delhi Airport: Approximately 4.26 million passengers have utilized the Digi Yatra service.
• Bengaluru Airport: Around 3.82 million passengers have used the platform.
• Varanasi Airport: Over 854,000 passengers have benefited from Digi Yatra.

These figures highlight the platform’s growing acceptance and the increasing frequency of its use across major airports in India. (PIB)

The consistent rise in user numbers and the platform’s expansion to more airports underscore its role in enhancing the passenger experience by providing a seamless, contactless, and efficient journey through India’s aviation hubs.

How to Register a Minor at DigitYatra?

Registering a minor for the Digi Yatra service involves a process that allows parents or guardians to add their children as dependents within the Digi Yatra app. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Download and Install the Digi Yatra App:
   • Ensure you have the official Digi Yatra app installed on your smartphone. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
2. Register Your Account:
   • Open the app and register using your mobile number. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process.
3. Add Dependent/Minor:
   • Within the app, navigate to the section labelled “Add Dependent” or “Add Minor.”
   • Enter the required details for your child, which may include their name, date of birth, and identification information.
   • Upload a clear photograph of your child to facilitate facial recognition during airport procedures.
4. Link Travel Documents:
   • For each journey, ensure that your child’s boarding pass is linked within the app. This step is crucial for the seamless biometric verification process at the airport.
5. At the Airport:
   • When traveling, proceed to the designated Digi Yatra e-gates.
   • Both you and your child will undergo facial recognition scans. The system will verify the biometric data against the information provided during registration, allowing for a smooth and expedited entry.

Can Digi Yatra Be Replicated to other countries?

Yes, but with customizations based on local regulations and privacy concerns. Countries with strong data protection laws (EU, Canada) will need explicit consent-based models, while those with existing biometric infrastructures (UAE, China, US) can quickly integrate similar systems.

Digi Yatra is a scalable, cost-effective, and efficient system that has the potential to revolutionize global air travel if adapted correctly! 🚀