The Indian aviation industry is witnessing growth at the rate of 28% and the Centre has planned an investment of Rs. 1 trillion over the next 5 years to boost capacity as well as develop new greenfield airports.

Also, at the same time, expansion and upgradation has been proposed for airports of Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru for which an investment to the tune of Rs. 250 billion is earmarked over the next five years. The minister also highlighted that Union Cabinet has approved construction of new terminals in Lucknow, Chennai and Guwahati and for it an investment of Rs 50 billion is planned.

AAI on its own would provide funds totaling to Rs 201.78 billion in the next four-five years for developing airport infrastructure. Also, a capex of Rs. 500 billion is expected to be provided for development of greenfield airports of Navi Mumbai, Jewar and Mopa in Goa.

The minister also said that the ministry's 'digi yatra' programme is likely to be launched in phases in cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Varanasi and Vijayawada by January 2019. As part of this programme, passengers would be able to enter the airport premises through the e-gate facility that shall have face recognition. All the services further will be received through face recognition.

It further clarified that as the passenger's data shall be put to use in the scheme it shall be at the discretion of the flyers to either opt for the scheme or not. It remarks the scheme as "voluntary in nature and non-intrusive".

With PTI Inputs