Jaipur: Jaipur Airport is set to introduce a seamless and contactless travel experience for domestic flyers, where their faces will serve as their boarding passes. The initiation of phase 1 of the ‘Digi Yatra’ program is imminent, aiming to revolutionize the digital journey for passengers. The innovative system entails checkpoints equipped with facial recognition and advanced biometrics, enabling travelers to navigate the airport using their Digi Yatra ID and undergo biometric facial scans.
E-gates outfitted with this state-of-the-art technology have been strategically placed in the pre-security hold area and at all boarding gates of Terminal 2. The ‘Digi Yatra’ initiative, a brainchild of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), leverages artificial intelligence and facial recognition to streamline and expedite the check-in process, thereby facilitating paperless and contactless travel across Indian airports.
As part of the comprehensive ‘Digi Yatra’ program introduced by MoCA, Jaipur Airport is poised to adopt the latest biometric boarding system, known as Face Pods. This advancement is expected to enhance operational efficiency, simplify check-in, security procedures, and boarding processes, ultimately resulting in an elevated travel experience marked by speed and convenience.
The phased rollout will begin with beta trials at Terminal 2 (T2), commencing with Jaipur Airport employees to fine-tune the system before making it available to passengers. To embark on the Digi Yatra journey, passengers must register through the airport, the Digi Yatra portal, or the Digi Yatra Mobile App, downloadable on iOS and Android platforms. Upon registration, travelers will obtain a unique DY ID, which will be linked to their PNR number, streamlining subsequent air travel across India. This synchronized portal, working in tandem with airlines, will facilitate the seamless transfer of passenger details to airport security staff six hours prior to flight departure, ensuring a smooth transition through the airport.
A ‘Digi Yatri’ can effortlessly traverse entry gates, the Pre-SHA section, and boarding gates merely by scanning their facial biometrics. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the DigiYatra Mobile App on December 1, 2022.
Initially launched at New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi airports in December 2022, the ‘Digi Yatra’ initiative subsequently expanded to include Vijayawada, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune airports in April 2023. With the ultimate aim of enhancing passenger experiences by eliminating manual ticket and ID verification at various points, the app utilizes facial biometric verification technology and a digital framework to optimize existing airport infrastructure.
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