Biometrics for Indian cabs

Officials at India’s New Delhi International Airport will soon begin using biometrics to monitor taxi drivers. The drivers of prepaid taxis will soon have their biometric data recorded on to cards that will be scanned every time they leave the airport with a passenger.

The move comes after a Saudi businessman was abducted and murdered by two cab drivers in 2008. Prior to that, an Australian woman was murdered by a pre-paid taxi driver she had hired at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Officials say the new biometric system will add greater accountability and help ensure the safety of passengers.

“To pass the boom barrier while exiting the airport with the passenger, the driver will have to use the biometric card. It will also help in keeping a track of the driver. In case there is a problem at any point, the driver can be traced. This will deter crime and help in enhancing security and safety of drivers,” an unnamed official said speaking to the Times of India.

The system’s hardware and software is all set to be deployed and officials have begun issuing biometric cards to the estimated 2,000 drivers.

“We will test the system and will try put it in place at the earliest. We will ensure the smooth functioning of the system,” said SatyendraGarg, the joint commissioner of traffic police.