From mint · Sounak Mukhopadhyay · · 1m 10s
Cochin Port Tests India’s First AI Immigration Corridor
Cochin Port may become India’s first AI immigration corridor for cruise passengers, using cameras to verify identities without stops.
In brief
Cochin Port may become India’s first AI immigration corridor for cruise passengers, using cameras to verify identities without stops. India’s Cochin Port could test an AI system that lets cruise passengers walk past cameras to clear immigration, reducing stops and processing time. Originally reported by mint.
AI Immigration Corridor Pilot
Cochin Port will test India’s first AI immigration corridor for cruise passengers using facial recognition cameras.
“AI Quick Read Cochin Port is likely to host India’s first immigration corridor for cruise passengers using artificial intelligence (AI).”
How It Works
Passengers walk past cameras to verify identities while immigration officers monitor flagged passengers for additional checks.
“Facial recognition cameras would verify passengers’ identities as they move through the corridor.”
Current Process
Cruise passengers currently provide fingerprints at immigration counters or have staff board ships to collect fingerprints.
“Sometimes, immigration staff board ships and collect fingerprints during the voyage.”
Benefits
The system could reduce stops for passport scanning and fingerprint collection, improving predictability for cruise operators.
“A corridor could help when many passengers leave a ship together.”
Funding and Timeline
The Indian Ports Association plans to fund the project from its own budget with a competitive technology selection process.
“According to Narwal, a competitive process would support fair and transparent selection.”
Current Data
During FY2025-26, Indian ports handled 212 cruise vessel calls and 4,63,000 passengers including 48,514 foreign travelers.
“Foreign cruise activity accounted for 46 vessel calls and 48,514 passengers.”
Next Steps
The pilot aims to test faster movement alongside effective border checks before wider implementation.
“Its findings would guide decisions about introducing similar corridors elsewhere.”
The short version
India’s Cochin Port could test an AI system that lets cruise passengers walk past cameras to clear immigration, reducing stops and processing time.
