From potential implementation in the railway sector to introduction of an AI chatbot and link to e-passports, Digi Yatra can be used to revolutionise travel experience in India and set new standards in the digital travel ecosystem.
Digi Yatra is known for streamlining airport experiences through digital and biometric solutions. The team, including CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi, and Siddharth Sharma and Viveck Karwanyoon, recently discussed their ambitious plans to leverage the advanced technology and prioritise user control over personal data.
Khadakbhavi told News18: “Technically, it’s possible to implement Digi Yatra at railway stations.”
However, the challenge lies in the multiple entry points at stations compared to the controlled entrances at airports. The team is optimistic about overcoming these challenges and believes that wherever ID verification or stringent security checks are needed, Digi Yatra can be beneficial.
Furthermore, the team said that to support users, they are planning to introduce an AI chatbot capable of text, voice, and video interactions. This AI chatbot aims to assist users with enrollment and respond to queries, providing a seamless experience. “We are focusing on developing a chatbot that can guide passengers in multiple languages, making the process accessible to a broader audience,” Khadakbhavi said.
However, when asked whether they are in talks with the IT ministry or any other authorities, and any plan to use India’s own AI-powered tool to support this chatbot, Sharma said: “The chatbot, still in the concept stage, will potentially utilise Bhashini. We will communicate with the government regarding this, maybe with Digital India Corporation, but before that we would need a prototype ready. For making this chatbot, we will also consider issuing a request for proposal (RFP).”
The team also discussed the introduction of Digi Yatra with the e-passport system, which simplifies the travel process. Unlike traditional passports, the e-passport includes an electronic chip laminated into the passport’s details page. The team explained that users can enrol by scanning this page with the Digi Yatra app and taking a selfie and matching the passport photo with the selfie will be the last process. This method eliminates the need for Aadhaar verification, streamlining the process for both Indian and foreign travellers.
Addressing the feasibility of Digi Yatra for foreigners, Khadakbhavi told News18: “Digi Yatra for foreigners coming to India or leaving the country is possible. But there is a process from the end of the External Affairs Ministry and authorities, and we have to align with those and make sure that all those aspects are taken care of. Upon discussion, we can conduct a rollout. And the discussions have just begun, and we are excited about the outcome.”
As of August 4, the Digi Yatra app has seen 4.71 million downloads, with 2.70 million on Android (rated 3.0) and 2.01 million on iOS (rated 4.6). The team is actively working on prototype testing for e-passport-based enrollment and collaborating with the Bureau of Immigration and international airports to streamline the process for foreign citizens, which will increase the user base of this app once operational.
Khadakbhavi said, “It’s a significant step towards a more connected and convenient travel experience.”
News18 asked about the key difference between similar systems used by countries like Singapore, Australia and India’s Digi Yatra. In response, Khadakbhavi said: “Other countries use centralized systems where biometric and passport data are stored in central databases. Digi Yatra, on the other hand, stores all personal data on the user’s phone, ensuring that passengers have full control over their information. We use a decentralized system.”
This serverless architecture enhances data security, with personal data shared only with airlines, airports, and immigration authorities and deleted 24 hours after the flight.
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