Two identical twins travelling through Mumbai airport were briefly stopped after the Digi Yatra facial recognition system failed to distinguish between them, highlighting both the promise and limitations of biometric technology in India’s push for seamless air travel.
At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, two identical twins experienced an unexpected delay when the Digi Yatra facial recognition system reportedly failed to differentiate between their faces, denying them automated entry.
The incident occurred during routine airport entry using the paperless Digi Yatra process. Airport officials intervened and conducted manual identity verification, after which the passengers were allowed to proceed.
Digi Yatra authorities later clarified that such rare mismatches can occur in cases involving identical twins and assured that passengers can always opt for conventional ID-based verification.
The episode has sparked conversations around technological reliability, passenger preparedness, and the need for human oversight in digital public infrastructure.
A Seamless Journey Interrupted
Digi Yatra was introduced to transform the airport experience by allowing passengers to move through entry points using facial recognition instead of physical documents.
However, for two identical twins travelling through Mumbai airport recently, the promise of seamless travel met an unexpected hurdle.
According to reports, both twins had successfully registered for Digi Yatra, linking their facial biometrics with valid government-issued identification and boarding passes.
When they approached the automated e-gates, the system allegedly failed to recognise them as separate individuals. As a result, access was denied, causing momentary confusion and delay.
Airport staff were alerted and promptly assisted the passengers. Their identities were verified manually using physical documents, and they were allowed to proceed without missing their flight.
While the delay was brief, the incident quickly drew attention online, with many users questioning whether biometric systems are adequately equipped to handle such edge cases.
What Officials Have Said
Responding to concerns, Digi Yatra officials clarified that facial recognition technology, while highly accurate, is not infallible.
A Digi Yatra Foundation spokesperson explained that the system is designed with multiple safeguards and that passengers are never denied boarding due to technical glitches.
“In rare scenarios, such as identical twins or very close facial resemblance, the system may face challenges. In such cases, passengers can always complete verification through manual checks using valid photo identification,” the official said.
Airport authorities also emphasised that trained personnel are stationed at Digi Yatra lanes to assist passengers whenever automated gates fail.
They reiterated that Digi Yatra is an optional facility and that conventional boarding processes remain fully functional at all times.
How Digi Yatra Works
Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Digi Yatra is a biometric-based initiative aimed at reducing congestion and wait times at airports.
Passengers voluntarily enrol through the Digi Yatra app by uploading a selfie and linking it with Aadhaar, passport, or other approved identification.
Once registered, facial recognition is used at entry gates, security checkpoints, and boarding points.
The system has been rolled out across several major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and has been widely promoted as a step towards contactless, paperless travel.
Officials claim the technology improves efficiency while maintaining data privacy through decentralised storage and passenger consent.
However, as the Mumbai incident demonstrates, real-world conditions often test even the most advanced systems.
Rare Errors, Real Impact
Facial recognition technology is known to face limitations in certain scenarios-identical twins, lookalikes, ageing changes, medical conditions, or even lighting variations. While global studies suggest high accuracy rates, no biometric system guarantees 100 per cent precision.
Technology experts note that such errors are statistically rare but inevitable at scale. With millions of passengers using Digi Yatra annually, even a small failure rate can translate into multiple daily disruptions.
Passengers, meanwhile, have expressed mixed reactions. Some see the incident as a minor inconvenience handled efficiently, while others worry about overdependence on technology in high-pressure environments like airports, where delays can cause stress and financial loss.
What Passengers Can Do If Digi Yatra Fails
Officials have advised travellers to remain prepared for contingencies. Passengers are encouraged to carry physical copies or digital backups of valid ID and boarding passes, even when using Digi Yatra.
In case of denial at an e-gate, travellers can immediately approach airport staff for manual verification.
Experts also recommend allowing extra time at airports, particularly for first-time Digi Yatra users or travellers who may fall into edge cases, such as identical twins.
Balancing Innovation with Inclusivity
India’s rapid adoption of digital public infrastructure-from Aadhaar to UPI and Digi Yatra-has earned global attention. Yet, incidents like this underline the importance of designing systems that account for human diversity and unpredictability.
While automation can improve efficiency, experts argue it should always be complemented by accessible human support. Clear signage, staff training, and transparent communication play a crucial role in maintaining public trust.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Technology should serve people, not overwhelm them. The Digi Yatra twin incident is not a failure of intent, but a reminder that innovation must be inclusive, empathetic, and flexible.
As India embraces biometric systems in public life, it is essential to ensure that no individual feels stranded or stressed due to a technological limitation.
Human oversight, choice, and clear alternatives must remain at the heart of digital governance.
