Ask any frequent flyer in India which innovation has made their lives easier in recent times, and a majority is likely to mention Digi Yatra. For travellers on domestic flights, this service based on facial recognition eliminates the need to carry a copy of the boarding pass and show their ID at the airport. The organisation behind this service is Digi Yatra Foundation, helmed by CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi. An electronics & communication engineer by training who had a 15-year-plus stint with Bangalore International Airport Ltd, the 55-year-old says the service is still in the process of scaling up. In an interview with Business Today's Tech Editor Aayush Ailawadi, Khadakbhavi talks about the technology, privacy, the foundation's structure, and the way ahead. Edited excerpts:
Q: Could you walk us through how Digi Yatra's technology works and how it's going to make things more seamless in the future?
A: Let me walk you through how we approached things when we were in the conceptual stages. We were thinking about the ideal passenger experience. We chose a scenario with a lady travelling with two young children. Kids can be unruly and imagine going through a manual process. This lady would have a trolley with bags; she may even be overwhelmed. On top of that, she has three travel documents and three ID cards to manage while walking and showing them all to get validated manually. Then she has to go through the process with her unruly kids. So, we designed the process around this persona.
In Digi Yatra, this lady can sit comfortably on the couch [at home], watching TV, and upload her ID card and that of her children's (there's a guardianship programme with rules) and finally share their boarding passes. Then, when she reaches the airport, she doesn't have to show a single document. All she has to do is manage the kids and get them to go first, then she goes through. It's a seamless process.
This story is from the July 07, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 07, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Attitude Decides Altitude"
BEST ADVICE - RAJNEET KOHLI, CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BRITANNIA INDUSTRIES LTD
"FOR RATAN TATA, IT WAS ALWAYS NATION FIRST"
Thomas Matthew, former IAS officer, on his new biography of Ratan Tata, the late Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons
"RADICAL CHANGE NEEDED TO IMPROVE URBAN INFRA"
K.P. Singh, Chairman Emeritus of DLF, on the dynamic nature of the real estate sector, challenges in urban planning, and more
REDEFINING AMBITION
Shashikant Ruia was a visionary entrepreneur who navigated challenges with resilience. He leaves behind a rich legacy of ambition and leadership
ON THE WILD SIDE
LOVE WILDLIFE BUT DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP ON THE FINER THINGS WHILE ON A TRIP TO SPOT ANIMALS? CHECK OUT THESE LUXURIOUS WILDLIFE RESORTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
"India is the only market globally with substantial growth"
RHI Magnesita CEO Stefan Borgas on the company's M&A strategy, why India is important, the way ahead, and more
FRESH ON THE STREET
IPOs have come back with a bang in 2024, with a record ₹1.3 lakh crore raised till October. As a result, many newly-listed firms have made it to the BT500 list
RIDING THE WAVES
The shipping industry is on the brink of a transformation. Beyond government support and technological advancements, what are the other driving forces and emerging trends that will define the landscape in 2025?
HOME RUN
After a decade-long slowdown, India’s real estate market reached its highest decadal sales level in the first half of 2024
In Pursuit of Good Health
The past year has been eventful for the Indian pharma sector, with some companies witnessing growth, and some challenges. The outlook for the sector, however, remains positive
