DIGI YATRA COULD BE EXPANDED TO HOTELS, RAIL TRAVEL, PUBLIC PLACES

Why in the news?

Digi Yatra’s Expansion– The check-in service based on facial recognition technology, Digi Yatra, may extend to hotels, historical monuments, and public places.

Source- TH

About the News :

  • Prototype Development: A prototype for this broader application is developed, with discussions ongoing with government agencies like the Tourism Ministry.
  • Enhanced Travel Experience: This initiative aims to streamline processes like hotel check-ins and police verifications for tourists, enhancing overall travel experience.
  • Rail Travel Consideration: Initial discussions with the Railway Ministry suggest potential application for rail travel as well.
  • Data Security: Extending Digi Yatra to other sectors would enhance data security by eliminating the need for sharing unencrypted identity documents.
  • Current Use at Airports: Launched in December 2022, Digi Yatra facilitates paperless movement at airports using facial scans instead of boarding passes, currently operational at 14 airports with plans to cover 15 more by the end of 2024.
  • Operational Efficiency: The initiative aims to improve passenger throughput at airports, ensuring more efficient operations alongside physical expansion.
  • Implementation and Privacy: Deployed at airport entry gates and security queues, with plans for broader use at touchpoints like boarding gates and baggage drops. Privacy concerns will be addressed in a revised policy document.
  • User Consent Issues: Efforts are ongoing to ensure proper sensitization of staff to address concerns over lack of user consent during on-the-day travel enrollments.