Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the second busiest airport in India, is gearing up to introduce the DigiYatra facility by the end of August. The DigiYatra program, initiated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to streamline the airport experience for passengers by implementing biometric authentication and eliminating the need for manual entry checkpoints.
DigiYatra Facility to Enhance Mumbai Airport Experience
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that Mumbai Airport, along with five other airports, will implement the DigiYatra program by the end of this month. Mumbai’s CSMIA has eagerly awaited this upgrade since the DigiYatra initiative was launched in December 2022. The introduction of DigiYatra is expected to significantly enhance the airport experience for travelers.
Revolutionizing Entry with Facial Recognition
DigiYatra operates on the basis of facial recognition, providing a faster and more efficient way for passengers to enter the airport. By using the DigiYatra app, available for both Android and iOS devices, passengers can register their flight details and take a selfie. This image is then used for biometric identification at the dedicated DigiYatra entry gates. The result is a seamless and expedited entry process, as DigiYatra is estimated to be 90% faster than traditional manual entry checkpoints.
Reducing Queues and Enhancing Security
Passengers using the DigiYatra facility can also take advantage of exclusive security points within the airport. This feature enables travelers to bypass lengthy queues during the luggage scanning process, saving them even more time. Feedback from passengers who have used DigiYatra highlights that they were able to reach their departure gates within just seven minutes of entering the airport.
Expanding Reach and Convenience
Currently available in seven airports across India, including Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, DigiYatra is set to expand its reach to six additional airports by the end of August. Mumbai’s CSMIA will be among the airports benefitting from this expansion. Other airports, including Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Guwahati, are also set to join the DigiYatra network. This will bring the total count of DigiYatra-enabled airports in India to 13.
Future Prospects and Benefits
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has further plans to introduce the DigiYatra facility at other high-traffic airports such as Chennai, Patna, Bhubaneshwar, and more. The exponential growth in DigiYatra’s user base, with over 4.7 million passengers having used the facility since its inception, showcases its popularity and effectiveness. DigiYatra is accessible to both Indian and foreign passengers, although international travelers will still need to undergo manual checks at immigration points.
In conclusion, the impending launch of the DigiYatra facility at Mumbai Airport promises to revolutionize the airport experience, offering travelers an efficient, convenient, and seamless journey through the airport. With enhanced entry procedures, reduced waiting times, and improved security measures, DigiYatra is shaping up to be a game-changer for air travel in India.
