India is making strides to revolutionize international air travel by introducing facial recognition technology (FRT) and e-passports, with a pilot program set for June 2025. Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of the Digi Yatra Foundation, confirmed these developments as India looks to enhance convenience and security for global travelers. DigiYatra, currently available for domestic flights, aims to streamline travel by eliminating the need for physical ID checks through advanced biometric systems. The forthcoming pilot project will be the first step in expanding this service to international travel, significantly benefiting Indian travelers and international visitors alike.
India is gearing up to implement facial recognition technology (FRT) for international air travel, according to a recent report by *Hindustan Times*. This advanced technology aims to streamline the airport experience, making it faster and more secure. The pilot project is expected to take place in June 2025 and will operate between two countries. As Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi mentioned, “We are planning an international pilot project in June 2025 between two countries. We don’t want to overcommit. However, we are working in this direction.”
DigiYatra Platform: Enhancing Air Travel Convenience
DigiYatra is a mobile-based platform that allows air travelers to securely store their identification and travel documents. The platform uses facial recognition technology to eliminate the need for physical identity checks, ensuring a seamless and contactless airport experience. Currently, DigiYatra is operational only for domestic flights within India. It allows passengers to enter and clear security at airports using facial biometrics, a move that has drastically reduced the need for physical documentation checks. As per reports. DigiYatra is set to expand this service to international travelers as part of its broader digital transformation plan.
Khadakbhavi also highlighted, “We will also work with the Bureau of Immigration and visa-issuing agencies to enable this service for international visitors flying in and out of India.”
Where Is DigiYatra Currently Available?
At present, DigiYatra is functional at several key airports across India. Some of the notable airports where this service has been rolled out include:
– Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi
– Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru
– Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi
– Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad
– Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata
– Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai
– Pune International Airport
– Cochin International Airport
These airports have embraced this contactless and paperless system, offering passengers a faster and more convenient way to pass through airport procedures.
Introduction of E-Passports
In another significant step, India plans to introduce e-passports for international travelers. E-passports, which contain an embedded electronic chip, provide enhanced security features and faster processing at border controls. Khadakbhavi stated, “We will initially roll out e-passports for international passengers, with Indians gaining access once the government starts issuing them.” This move aligns India with other nations, such as Singapore and those in the European Union, where e-passports are already commonplace.
Countries like Singapore and various European Union nations have been utilizing e-passports for a while now, making them key participants in India’s upcoming pilot project. These developments reflect India’s ambition to modernize its air travel infrastructure, benefiting both international travelers and Indian citizens.
India’s introduction of e-passports and the expansion of DigiYatra’s facial recognition technology to international flights marks a major step forward in simplifying and securing air travel. With a pilot project scheduled for 2025, these initiatives aim to provide Indian travelers with a world-class travel experience, while also enhancing security measures. As global travel continues to evolve, India’s efforts to integrate digital solutions will play a critical role in shaping the future of air travel for millions of passengers.
Stay updated with Birdseyenews,
