- The Civil Aviation Ministry stated that the Digi Yatra process has no central storage of passengers' Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
- According to the ministry, all passengers' data is encrypted and stored in their smartphone wallets.
- They added that Digi Yatra stores data in a decentralized manner, so there is no centralized information storage.
Passengers must go through various airport checkpoints, presenting their tickets, IDs, and other relevant documents. The idea behind Digi Yatra is to use Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to verify the identity associated with passengers' boarding passes. This paperless and contactless processing is both efficient and time-saving.
Digi Yatra is a biometric boarding system that uses facial recognition technology to provide passengers with a smooth and hassle-free airport experience. The initiative aims to make air travel less stressful for passengers. DigiYatra eliminates the need for physical document verification at multiple airport flash points, such as tickets and IDs.
In December 2022, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched Digi Yatra, beginning with three airports in Delhi, Bangalore, and Varanasi. The goal is to use facial recognition technology to determine a traveler's identity, which will link to the boarding pass. This procedure allows passengers to pass through various airport checkpoints without presenting any paper or ID.
How to Use Digi Yatra
To enjoy the program's benefits, passengers must first download the Digi Yatra app and register. The DigiYatra app registration process includes Aadhaar-based validation and self-image capture. The next step is to scan your boarding pass and share your credentials with the airport within 24 hours of your flight.
When you arrive at the airport, you must first scan your physical or mobile boarding pass and look into the FRS camera of the E-Facial Gate. The system will automatically validate your ID and travel documents with the backend before opening the E-gate and allowing you to enter the airport. Once an individual completes the process, they can enter the terminal building for check-in and security clearance without needing any paper documents.
Digi Yatra service is available at some of India's busiest airports, including Delhi, Bangalore, and Varanasi. Kolkata, Pune, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad airports will adopt this service by March 2023. The civil aviation ministry has stated that airports nationwide will deploy this upgraded travel procedure.
Digi Yatra Does Not Store User Data
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that Digi Yatra does not store passenger data. They stated Digi Yatra lacks a central storage facility for storing passengers' Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Moreover, all passenger data is encrypted and stored in their smartphone wallets. They went on to say that the data shared for validation at the airport is automatically deleted 24 hours after departure.
Similarly, the minister of civil aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, reinforced this point in response to a tweet via his tweeter handle on March 15th, 2023. He reassured users that their data was secure, stating that no information was collected or stored.
“Passengers' personal information data is not stored in any central repository or by the Digi Yatra Foundation. The data is stored in the passenger's own phone in the Digi Yatra secure wallet. Rest assured; no data is being collected or stored.”
Digi Yatra, the Face of Indian Aviation
Digi Yatra is changing the face of Indian aviation to achieve the goal of Digital India. Although the project is still in its early stages, it has received much attention, with some hailing it as efficient and innovative. According to some experts, the initiative has the potential to transform the customer experience and position Indian aviation at the forefront of global innovation.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, its implementation has no budgetary support. Airport operators are responsible for the costs associated with Digi Yatra implementation.
Airport and airline operators are spreading the word about Digi Yatra through boarding passes and in-flight announcements. They also achieve publicity through social media, films, help desk support, and displaying banners at airports, among other things.
