From Digi Yatra to self check-in of baggage: How Bengaluru Airport is pioneering technology use for seamless travel


Bengaluru airport‘s Terminal 2 has gained recognition each domestically and internationally, usually drawing comparisons to Singapore’s Changi Airport. Whereas such comparisons could seem bold, the terminal has notably excelled within the realm of know-how. Digi Yatra, a extensively profitable initiative carried out throughout Indian airports, was first conceptualized and put into observe by Bengaluru airport’s know-how crew.
A current TOI report quoted George Fanthome, the Chief Info Officer (CIO) at Bengaluru Worldwide Airport Ltd (BIAL) saying that the concept originated from CEO Hari Marar. The airport performed a pilot of Digi Yatra in 2019, permitting passengers to register at a kiosk and confirm their biometrics, enabling seamless passage by means of terminal entry factors, safety, and boarding gates.
Guaranteeing correct matching of a flyer’s biometrics to the database of fifty,000 to 100,000 passengers getting into inside a 24 hour timeframe posed a problem for George’s crew. False positives had been a major concern attributable to their potential dangers. Whereas false negatives had been manageable as passengers may present paperwork to the CISF to confirm their identification, false positives had been deemed hazardous.
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The crew targeted on growing a extremely correct system whereas prioritizing information privateness. To deal with privateness considerations, the system was designed to delete all information each 24 hours. George stated that fixed audits are performed to make sure passenger information is just not retained.
After refining the method for over a 12 months, BIAL introduced the system to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The ministry appreciated the idea’s potential, particularly its capability to register as soon as and use throughout a number of airports. Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Basis, was a part of their crew, stated George.
A pilot challenge is underway to make the most of verified biometrics for self-check-in baggage at airport kiosks. George foresees biometrics enjoying a pivotal function in streamlining numerous passenger processes, enhancing their expertise.
He talked about ongoing authorities efforts to combine passports with biometrics, aiming to facilitate seamless immigration for worldwide vacationers. The necessity to take out bodily passports could scale back to stamping functions solely.
Nevertheless, George acknowledges the problem of persuading a number of airport stakeholders, together with CISF chargeable for safety, about the advantages of tech options. “Journey is a aggravating occasion for everyone for a number of causes, so we need to make it as seamless as attainable,” he stated.
Travellers usually stress about whether or not their baggage will safely attain their vacation spot. George suggests utilizing know-how to trace baggage placement within the right plane earlier than takeoff, offering reassurance to passengers.
Efforts are underway to supply customized companies to passengers. By integrating facial recognition with flight info, the airport goals to create particular person digital assistants for travellers. These assistants may provide flight updates, recommend much less crowded entry gates, and supply customized companies like meal preferences.
Moreover, the airport is exploring the potential of facial recognition-based funds, akin to the Amazon Go mannequin, permitting passengers to authorize transactions utilizing facial recognition know-how.





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