Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday launched six new passenger-centric facilities at Jammu and Srinagar airports aimed at improving convenience, accessibility, and the overall travel experience.
New Initiatives Boost Airport Services
The newly introduced amenities include the Digi Yatra facial recognition system, the Udan Yatri Cafe offering affordable food and beverages, a ‘Flybrary’ for book sharing, AVSAR retail spaces for local artisans, a dedicated children’s play area, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, these initiatives are designed to make travel more seamless, affordable, and enjoyable for passengers using the airports in Jammu and Srinagar.
Digi Yatra and Affordable Food Options Introduced
The Digi Yatra initiative utilizes Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to provide a paperless and contactless journey through airport checkpoints, including entry, security, and boarding gates. Passengers can now use their face as a boarding pass, significantly streamlining the process.
Addressing concerns about high airport food prices, the Udan Yatri Cafe has been established as a budget-friendly outlet. Here, essential items such as water and tea are available for Rs 10, while coffee, sweets, and samosas are priced at Rs 20. This move aims to make refreshments more accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Community and Artisan Support Integrated
The ‘Flybrary’ is a community-driven reading concept that encourages knowledge sharing and promotes a culture of reading among travelers. At Jammu Airport, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the Airports Authority of India and the Rotary Club Jammu Tawi.
The AVSAR (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region) initiative is designed to foster inclusive economic development. This platform provides crucial retail space within the airports for local artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By offering subsidized rental opportunities, AVSAR aims to encourage participation and provide direct market access for regional handicrafts and indigenous products.
Enhanced Facilities at Srinagar Airport
In parallel, Srinagar Airport also saw the inauguration of an extended terminal portion, which includes a 650 square meter addition to the security hold area. This expansion is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve passenger comfort.
Srinagar Airport also introduced seamless DigiYatra services, free Wi-Fi access for up to four hours, and the ‘Flybrary’ initiative. Officials stated that these developments represent substantial progress towards creating a smarter, more efficient, and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
The Minister inaugurated these facilities virtually, connecting Rajkot to Jammu and Srinagar, emphasizing a national approach to upgrading airport infrastructure and services.
The Chenab Times News Desk