Is Bengaluru airport going 'Aadhaar only'? Here's the truth

Key Highlights

• Bengaluru airport is expected to implement Aadhaar-enabled entry at its international airport from next year.
• Aadhaar enabled entry will remain optional for those who do not possess the card.
• The first phase of the project is expected to begin on March 30, 2018.

The Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) or Kempegowda International Airport has been touted to soon become the ‘first airport in India’ to implement Aadhaar and biometric-enabled entry. The airport has floated a proposal for inviting applications from companies to provide such biometric enabled entries. However this will not be mandatory for those who still do not possess Aadhaar cards.

“The provision for Aadhaar card-based boarding is simply one additional facility for passengers at the BLR Airport to enable them a seamless experience as well speed up the process as they pass through the Airport," BIAL said. 

"For those who do not possess an Aadhaar card, the current method of entry with the use of a government-approved photo id will continue to be available,” it further said in an emailed statement to Zeebiz.

The first phase of the project is expected to begin on March 30, 2018. The duration of the project is expected to conclude in 325 days, as stated by BIAL. And the request for Aadhaar-enabled entry system is expected to come into place by December 31, 2018.

Under benefits to passengers on using Aadhaar it was listed that passengers would not need to show paper tickets or boarding pass and physical IDs at multiple checkpoints in the airport.

“The use of biometrics will soon be the only verification required at each passenger touch-point along the airport journey and will go a long way in improving the flow of passengers, providing a better travel experience as well as greater operational visibility for our stakeholders. This direct connection with every individual passenger allows for convenience and empowerment for them, that, we believe, will transform their Airport experience," said Hari Marar, Executive Director and President, BIAL.

Earlier in September, Ministry of Civil Aviation reportedly began the process of linking database of airlines and airports with passenger identities.

Aviation secretary, R N Choubey had spoken of ‘Digi Yatra’ which has also featured in BIAL’s proposal which is defined right from booking to choosing hotels. “We have set up a special unit in Airports Authority of India for giving shape to this 'digi yatra' programme. Airport operators, especially from Bangalore and Hyderabad, are part of this as they have done a lot of work in this field,” Choubey said.

“We are committed to a futuristic and innovative vision of The Smart Airport - a digitized, seamlessly connected, intuitive airport,” Marar added.

The implementation of the new security system is expected to be completed in a phased manner and enhance security at the airport. ‘Go Live’ data under phase three of the project has been listed as December 28, 2018.

“The introduction of Aadhaar-enabled entry and Biometric E-Boarding Process entry will not only speed up the validation process, but also provide a significant increase in security,” Marar said.

Also Read: 

• Domestic flyers may soon need to produce Aadhaar details before flying; here's why