Your face could be a boarding pass as India plans Digi Yatra for foreigners

India plans to introduce facial recognition technology for international air travel with a pilot study set for June 2025, Digi Yatra Foundation CEO said.

Published on: Oct 2, 2024, 10:01:51 IST

By HT News Desk

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India will soon introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) for international air travel, Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi said, announcing plans for a pilot study in June 2025. He said, “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."

Currently available for domestic travelers, the DigiYatra service will soon include international visitors, allowing contactless airport entry using facial recognition.

DigiYatra is a mobile-based platform allowing air travellers to store their ID and travel documents securely and the system uses facial recognition to eliminate the need for physical ID checks.

At present, the DigiYatra service is only available for domestic travellers in India and allows contactless airport entry and security clearance using facial biometrics. He said, “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.”

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Suresh Khadakbhavi said that e-passports are in the pipeline for Indian international travellers. “We will initially roll out e-passports for international passengers, with Indians gaining access once the government starts issuing them,” he said, adding, "Countries like Singapore and those within the European Union have launched e-passports. A significant number of their citizens hold such passports, so the pilot project will be done with their involvement.”

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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Your face could be a boarding pass as India plans Digi Yatra for foreigners

India plans to introduce facial recognition technology for international air travel with a pilot study set for June 2025, Digi Yatra Foundation CEO said.

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Read more: Stock market holiday today: NSE, BSE shut on account of Gandhi Jayanti