And the most
interesting part: Although this will be based on biometric data, Aadhaar won’t be mandatory here.
DigiYatra ID = Paperless Boarding :-
Airports Authority of India (AAI) along with the four metro airports have collaborated to create a unique DigiYatra for passengers, using which anyone can do paperless boarding, and enter the aircraft in no time.
A single biometric ‘pass’ would be created, which can be used to unlock eGates at various airports, and regular tasks such as check-ins, security clearances etc can be seamlessly done.
No ID card or verification would be required, once biometric-based authentication is done.
Guruprasad Mohapatra told "We have sent this proposal to the ministry. Once approved by the ministry, the DGCA will need to mandate it. We have selected three airports, including Varanasi and Vijaywada, for rolling out DY (DigiYatra)"
Note here, that this paperless facility to board and enter airports is purely voluntary, and if a passenger doesn’t want this, they can continue to access the traditional way.
DigiYatra Based Travel: How Will It Work?
DigiYatra will carry on via AirSewa portal, here is the process :-
Step 1 :-
Passengers who wish to opt for paperless boarding will register themselves at AirSewa portal, and generate a unique DigiYatra.
Step 2 :-
Verify themselves via any Govt. issued ID card, which includes Aadhaar as well.
Step 3 :-
Now, two scenarios arise:
The passenger enters this unique DigitYatra at the time of booking a ticket. If this happens, then the passenger can simply visit any airport, and complete the biometric verification via fingerprints and IRIS scan.
In case passenger hasn’t mentioned this unique DigiYatra id in the ticket, then also he can visit the airport, and complete the biometric access via IRIS and fingerprint scan.
Step 4 :-
Once done, the biometric data is stored with the airports, forever. Next time, whenever that passenger travels, all he needs to do is present the unique ID, do a biometric verification, and complete the check-in.
Step 5 :-
Besides biometrics, the passengers with unique DigiYatra will be also provided with a QR Code, which can be used for check-in, and as a paperless boarding pass.
The airports will thus, have all the information about the passenger’s travel plans, and accordingly can alert them about the closing time of the gate etc.
DigiYatra promises to abolish three paper-related documents for air travel;
Paper ID Cards
Tickets
Boarding Passes
Features of Digi Yatra :-
- Plan their trips efficiently by identifying price trends and estimate future airfares at the time of ticket booking,
- Optionally link their Aadhaar to airlines and other ecosystem players at the time of booking for faster airport entry and automated check-ins without requiring any paper-based interventions,
- Walk-through security scanners swiftly owing to advanced biometric security solutions
- Receive relevant information pertaining to various facilities, protocols, airline timings, queue lengths at airports etc.,
- Engage in customised digital offerings at experience zones,
- Get real time notifications about congestion and delays to have greater visibility on the next step of journey,
- Conveniently navigate through the airport using digital guidance systems, interactive kiosks and augmented reality apps,
- Stay connected during flights and indulge in immersive experiences. Also book in-flight services and destination based offerings digitally,
- Get a prompt when their luggage reaches the baggage claim belt , and
- Submit grievances, share experiences and provide feedback.
