Scindia
The civil aviation ministry has ordered airport operators to examine the effective biometric models being used in other nations for seamless passenger travel. The government is taking steps to reduce airport congestion during the approaching holiday season. Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia ordered airport operators to promote Digi Yatra, which uses facial recognition technology (FRT) to facilitate contactless and seamless passenger movement at multiple airport checkpoints, during a meeting with an advisory committee.
There are currently 13 airports where domestic travelers can use Digi Yatra, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi.
An official announcement states that the airport operators were also required to exhibit biometric-enabled models that are being effectively deployed in other nations during the meeting on Tuesday.
Scindia said on December 15th, 2024, that the Digi Yatra feature will be accessible at 25 additional airports. According to the press release, integrating Digi Yatra for international passenger access for both arrivals and departures was suggested at the discussion. “The minister underlined the significance of reducing airport congestion, keeping in mind the approaching season.
He gave the assurance that the ministry is actively taking all necessary steps to provide travellers with a seamless and expedient travel experience during this time,” the ministry said in a release on Wednesday.
In response to increased passenger traffic, Scindia announced on December 15 that airport staffing levels, X-ray machines, departure entrance gates, check-in desks, and immigration counters have all been raised. Following severe traffic jams at several airports, including Delhi, in December of last year, the government implemented several corrective actions.
On Tuesday, Scindia also chaired cargo advisory committee meeting and assured that the government will continue to adopt a proactive approach in responding to the concerns of the cargo industry. Another official release said that one of the key issues discussed was the need for a digital transformation in air cargo, encompassing e-KYC and digital shipping invoices.
The minister requested the committee to prepare a detailed action plan to explore and implement digital transformations in the industry, it added. PTI
