Indian government plans biometric kiosk deployment for Digi Yatra travel scheme

Oct 19, 2018 | Chris Burt

facial-recognition-database

An official with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) says that the agency is planning to deploy kiosks at city centers, railway stations, and other crowded places to allow passengers to verify their facial biometrics for the Digi Yatra ID paperless travel system, the Hindustan Times reports.

Under the Digi Yatra system, travelers share the ID when purchasing tickets, and use it to verify their identity when they depart. Aadhaar is not necessary to enroll, but using it as an enrolling ID makes the Digi Yatra account valid for five years, rather than one.

“In future, we have planned multiple checkpoints and separate facilities may be created at busy tourist areas, where frequent flyers will be more. Obviously, at airport also, this facility will be available. So, passengers can authenticate at these kiosks,” said AAI operations employee I.N. Murthy.

A civil aviation ministry official said the goal of the system is to reduce waiting times, but added that it is hoped that the system will ultimately reduce costs as well.

The Digi Yatra system is expected to launch in April, 2019.