Exclusive | ‘A Great Learning Experience’: DigiYatra CEO on Sudden App Migration

Synopsis : DigiYatra's new app, achieving 2 million users despite initial issues, offers enhanced airport check-ins through facial recognition. Developed under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, it operates at 13 major Indian airports for streamlined travel.

DigiYatra's new app has successfully garnered over 2 million users, a significant milestone achieved despite initial hurdles during its rollout. This new app, designed to enhance the airport check-in process, has seen rapid adoption, comprising nearly half of the total users from the previous version.

Launched in December 2022, the Digi Yatra app has streamlined airport check-ins for numerous travelers across India. However, a recent unexpected halt in the old app's functionality left users perplexed, especially when a new app with low ratings appeared on the Play Store and App Store without prior notice or a smooth transition.

In an exclusive interview with Tech Today’s Aayush Ailawadi, Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi elaborated on the rationale behind the abrupt introduction of the new app. He emphasized the necessity for a new platform capable of handling the growing user base and facilitating feature updates more efficiently.

Khadakbhavi explained, “For instance, if a feature needs to be modified, we can now implement changes directly without pushing a full update. This flexibility wasn't possible with our initial MVP (Minimum Viable Product).” He acknowledged the transition wasn't flawless, but valuable lessons were learned.

To mitigate user confusion, the foundation has now implemented prompts in the old app, guiding users to the new version. Khadakbhavi highlighted the positive outcome, stating, “We now have around 2 million users on the new app, out of the 4.5 million who were using the old app.”

The Digi Yatra app, developed under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to facilitate seamless airport access through facial recognition technology. It offers expedited check-in, security clearance, and boarding processes. Available for both Android and iOS users, the app is operational at 13 domestic airports, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers across India.

Related Questions

1. How many users has the new DigiYatra app garnered?

The new DigiYatra app has garnered over 2 million users.

2. When was the Digi Yatra app launched?

The Digi Yatra app was launched in December 2022.

3. What caused confusion among users during the transition to the new DigiYatra app?

Users were confused due to the unexpected halt in the old app's functionality and the sudden appearance of the new app with low ratings on the Play Store and App Store without prior notice or a smooth transition.

4. What is the primary purpose of the Digi Yatra app?

The primary purpose of the Digi Yatra app is to enhance the airport check-in process through facial recognition technology, offering expedited check-in, security clearance, and boarding processes.

5. How many domestic airports is the Digi Yatra app operational at?

The Digi Yatra app is operational at 13 domestic airports, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.