DigiYatra: Your Face Is Now Your ID

What’s in today’s article:

• About DigiYatra (Meaning, Purpose, Functions, Implementing Agency, etc.)

Why in News?

• Central Government’s DigiYatra initiative was announced by the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), run by GMR, for the beta version of its app on Android platforms.
• It was proposed that in the first phase, DigiYatra will be rolled out at Varanasi and Bengaluru this month, and at five airports — Pune, Vijayawada, Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad — by March, 2023.
• The Airport Authority of India (AAI) will identify the airports where DigiYatra will be implemented in a phased manner.

What is DigiYatra?

• The ‘DigiYatra’ is a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel experience (BEST) based on Facial Recognition Technology.
• The ‘DigiYatra’ is an industry-led initiative co-ordinated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in line with Digital India’s vision to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society.
• With this technology, the entry of passengers would be automatically processed based on the facial recognition system at all checkpoints – including entry into the airport, security check areas, aircraft boarding, etc.

How can people avail DigiYatra facility?

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Image Caption: About DigiYatra and its working

• To use this facility, passengers will need to first download the DigiYatra app.
• Users can register on the app using Aadhaar credentials. Then, the person will have to scan his or her boarding pass with the QR code or Bar code, 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.

DigiYatra Foundation:

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

What are the benefits of DigiYatra Initiative?

• Passenger need not show boarding pass or ID at multiple check points.
• Minimum human intervention; Less queuing time.
• It will also ensure enhanced security at the airport as the passenger data is validated with Airlines Departure control System, thereby only designated passengers can enter the terminal.
• Airport operator will have real time information on passenger load and resource planning becomes better.
• Airlines will be benefitted by knowing the passenger position in the airport.
• Airport throughput will be enhanced.

Q1) What is Digi Yatra Foundation?

Digi Yatra Foundation (DYF), is a not- for- profit company under section 8 of companies Act 2013. It was set up with initial shareholding of Airport Authority of India (AAI), Cochin International Airport (CIAL), Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL), Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL) & Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL).  

Q2) How to register for DigiYatra?

Step 1: Download the Digi Yatra app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Tap to get started with the registration process.

Step 3: Enter your mobile number and tap to register.

Step 4: Enter the OTP.

Step 5: Click on the wallet option at the bottom of the screen.

Step 6: Tap the identity creditials and upload your Aadhaar-verified documents.

Step 7: Then, upload your selfie.