Jammu/Srinagar, March 29 Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated six passenger-centric initiatives, including Digi Yatra and Udan Cafe, at the Jammu and Srinagar airports on Sunday, to enhance passenger convenience, accessibility, affordability, and the 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 highlighted that key features 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 their 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 about high food costs at airports, the official said.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar airport posted on X: "Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu 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 that these facilities represent significant steps towards a smarter, seamless, and more comfortable travel experience for passengers.
The minister inaugurated the facilities via video conferencing.
Regarding Flybrary, the official said it is a community-driven reading concept that promotes a culture of reading and knowledge sharing among travelers. "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), subsidized rental opportunities to encourage participation, and direct market access to showcase and sell regional handicrafts and indigenous products.