Jammu/Srinagar, Mar 29: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday inaugurated six passenger-centric initiatives, including Digi Yatra and Udan Cafe, at Jammu and Srinagar airports to enhance passenger convenience, accessibility, affordability, and overall travel experience.
The other additions include a community-based “Flybrary” for book sharing, AVSAR retail spaces for local artisans, a dedicated kids play area and free high-speed Wi-Fi, an official said.
The official said key highlights include Digi Yatra, an initiative that leverages Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to enable a paperless and contactless airport journey. Under this system, passengers can move through various airport checkpoints, including entry gates, security, and boarding, using the face as a boarding pass.
The Udan Yatri Cafe has been introduced as a budget-friendly food outlet, offering items like water and tea at Rs 10, and coffee, sweets and ‘Samosas’ at Rs 20 addressing a long-standing concern regarding high food costs at airports, the official said.
Meanwhile, Srinagar airport in a post on X said: “Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu ji virtually inaugurated passenger-centric facilities across airports in India today from Rajkot..
At the Srinagar Airport, the extended terminal portion, including a 650 sqm addition to the security hold area, was inaugurated, significantly easing congestion and enhancing passenger comfort.
The minister also inaugurated key passenger facilities, including seamless DigiYatra, Free Wi-Fi for up to 4 hours, and the Flybrary initiative for an enriched travel experience, the airport said, adding these facilities are significant steps towards a smarter, seamless and more comfortable travel experience for the passengers.
The minister inaugurated the facilities via video conferencing.
With regard to Flybrary, the official said it is a community-driven reading concept that promotes a culture of reading and knowledge sharing among travellers. “The Flybrary at Jammu Airport is a joint initiative of the Airports Authority of India and the Rotary Club Jammu Tawi,” the official said.
He said AVSAR (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region) is a unique initiative aimed at promoting inclusive economic development. This platform provides prime retail space within the airport to local artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), subsidised rental opportunities to encourage participationand direct market access to showcase and sell regional handicrafts and indigenous products.
