TBM Staff - Mumbai
Digi Yatra, a Privacy by Design ecosystem based on Self Sovereign Identity using face biometric technology for contactless passenger processing at airports, has reached a significant milestone of 4 million registered users. This achievement highlights the platform’s transformative impact on air travel, leveraging advanced technology built on a privacy-preserving ecosystem with Verifiable Credentials stored in a Secure Wallet and Decentralised Identifiers supported by a Distributed Ledger.
Since its launch in December 2022, Digi Yatra has implemented a digital processing system for passengers utilising facial biometric data, primarily facial scans, in place of traditional check-in methods. This system offers a seamless travel experience at various airport checkpoints, from terminal entry and check-in to baggage drop, security check, and boarding gates.
Starting with three airports in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi, Digi Yatra has expanded to major airports across the country, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata. Now operational at 14 airports, Digi Yatra plans to expand to an additional 15 airports shortly.
Digi Yatra has gained significant popularity among passengers by streamlining the entire process from entry to boarding flights. The enhanced customer experience includes reduced waiting times and smoother transitions through airport procedures. By adopting Digi Yatra, passengers have decreased their airport entry time from 15-20 seconds to approximately 5 seconds. The platform operates with a strong emphasis on data security and privacy, ensuring that facial biometrics are deleted from the local airport’s database within 24 hours of the flight to protect sensitive information.
Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO , Digi Yatra Foundation, stated, “We are elated with this milestone as it signifies more than just a number. It represents the trust people have put in our vision of a more efficient, secure, and passenger-centric experience. We look forward to increasing our user base further and are already in talks with our stakeholders about making this facility available to international travellers as well.”
The Digi Yatra Foundation, a not-for-profit entity, serves as the nodal agency for Digi Yatra. Its shareholders include the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL), Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), and Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL).
