India set to pilot biometric-based immigration next year

03 Oct 2024 CW Team

Currently, the Digi Yatra facility, which enables seamless digital boarding using facial recognition, is available for domestic passengers at 24 airports across the country. The next step involves collaborating with the Bureau of Immigration and visa-issuing agencies to extend this service to international travelers entering and leaving India.

The initial rollout will target international passengers, with Indian citizens gaining access once the government begins issuing e-passports. Khadakbhavi noted that this move would simplify the immigration process by reducing the need for passengers to repeatedly show travel documents at multiple checkpoints, enabling quicker clearance at both departure and arrival points.

India is currently testing e-passports at regional passport offices in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur. Following a successful pilot and necessary certifications, the Ministry of External Affairs plans to implement e-passports nationwide in phases. The new e-passports will feature a combination of paper and electronic components, including an embedded RFID chip that stores critical data, making them harder to forge. The design complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

“Countries within the European Union, Singapore, and others have already adopted e-passports, and a significant portion of their citizens hold such documents. Thus, we are looking to involve them in our pilot project,” Khadakbhavi added.

The government is also drafting a national policy to transform Indian airports into major international hubs that provide single-point connectivity for the entire South Asian region. The policy, which will require Cabinet approval, aims to address security and immigration challenges, allocate international flying rights, and enhance infrastructure to position airports like Delhi’s as competitive transit hubs alongside Dubai and Singapore. (ET)

India plans to launch a pilot study for facial biometric-based immigration in June 2025, according to Suresh Khadakbhavi , CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation. Speaking at the CAPA Digital Aviation Summit, Khadakbhavi stated, “We are planning an international pilot project between two countries. While we don’t want to overcommit, we are actively working in this direction.” Currently, the Digi Yatra facility, which enables seamless digital boarding using facial recognition, is available for domestic passengers at 24 airports across the country. The next step involves collaborating with the Bureau of Immigration and visa-issuing agencies to extend this service to international travelers entering and leaving India. The initial rollout will target international passengers, with Indian citizens gaining access once the government begins issuing e-passports. Khadakbhavi noted that this move would simplify the immigration process by reducing the need for passengers to repeatedly show travel documents at multiple checkpoints, enabling quicker clearance at both departure and arrival points. India is currently testing e-passports at regional passport offices in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur. Following a successful pilot and necessary certifications, the Ministry of External Affairs plans to implement e-passports nationwide in phases. The new e-passports will feature a combination of paper and electronic components, including an embedded RFID chip that stores critical data, making them harder to forge. The design complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. “Countries within the European Union, Singapore, and others have already adopted e-passports, and a significant portion of their citizens hold such documents. Thus, we are looking to involve them in our pilot project,” Khadakbhavi added. The government is also drafting a national policy to transform Indian airports into major international hubs that provide single-point connectivity for the entire South Asian region. The policy, which will require Cabinet approval, aims to address security and immigration challenges, allocate international flying rights, and enhance infrastructure to position airports like Delhi’s as competitive transit hubs alongside Dubai and Singapore. (ET)

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..