DigiYatra launch set to speed up domestic to domestic transfers at kolkata airport
Times of India | 20 April 2025
123 Kolkata: Starting this weekend, passengers at Kolkata airport switching between domestic flights can expect a faster, smoother transit experience courtesy of the introduction of DigiYatra services in the domestic-to-domestic (D2D) transfer area. The move aims to ease congestion and expedite security processes for over 4,000 daily flyers who use the D2D facility, many of whom travel to and from the Northeast.
"In all likelihood, the DigiYatra services will go live at the D2D facility by next Friday. The tech upgrade will certainly bring major relief for passengers racing to catch connecting flights," said Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. The director said the gates were installed last month, but the NEC certification was awaited, which delayed the commissioning of the system. "We escalated the matter with the central headquarter project manager. All hurdles have been solved now, and the system will be up and running by this weekend," Beuria added.
The rollout marks a significant step in Kolkata airport's digital transformation, with authorities anticipating a notable boost in DigiYatra usage. The number of passengers using the DigiYatra app has already quadrupled since January 2024, rising from under 2,000 to over 6,500 daily users. With the expansion to the D2D zone, officials expect daily app users to surge past 10,000 in the coming months.
DigiYatra allows passengers to preload their boarding passes after completing web check-in, enabling them to enter the terminal and clear security without human intervention. It not only saves time but also reduces physical contact, a feature that gained popularity in the post-pandemic era. For those without the app, DigiYatra kiosks remain an option. However, this route requires manual verification twice—once while using the kiosk and again by CISF personnel.
A year ago, 85%-86% of DigiYatra users relied on these kiosks. That number dropped to around 50% by October 2024, reflecting the growing preference for the app. More recently, due to temporary kiosk outages, app usage jumped significantly. Currently, around 83%-84% of DigiYatra users are opting for the app over kiosks.
Kolkata airport's dedicated domestic-to-domestic transfer facility, launched in September 2020, has significantly reduced transit time for connecting passengers. Introduced shortly after pandemic travel restrictions were eased, the system allows passengers arriving on one domestic flight and connecting to another to bypass the traditional terminal exit and re-entry process.
Instead of exiting the terminal, ascending to the departure level, and undergoing multiple checks, transit passengers now move directly into the departure security hold area through a dedicated security portal. Airport officials say this streamlined process saves passengers 50 to 60 minutes during layovers.
To support the facility, the airport has upgraded its infrastructure with two baggage X-ray machines and three frisking booths—one for women and two for men. Three dedicated elevators transport passengers directly to the security hold area. Additional features include a separate set of restrooms and an expanded security hold area equipped with two new bus boarding gates, facilitating quick transport to aircraft parked at remote bays. MSID:: 120455583 413 |