What's New

REVAMPING SECURITY MEASURES AT DELHI AIRPORT:

Why in the News?

• Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport is set to introduce full body scanners and computer tomography X-ray (CTX) scanners by May 2024.

Source: Daily Mail

Enhanced Screening Technology:

• The scanners, already deployed globally, offer faster and more thorough passenger screening compared to metal detectors and manual frisking.
• CTX scanners specifically target cabin or carry-on baggage, streamlining the process without requiring passengers to separate electronic devices and liquids for screening.

Impact on Passenger Security:

• Expected to significantly reduce the time taken for security checks before departure.
• Anticipated to alleviate congestion and waiting times, particularly in busy airports, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Installation Directive:

• The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had previously directed airports handling over 1 crore and 50 lakh passengers annually to install full-body and CTX scanners, respectively, by December 31.
• Seven airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, handled over 1 crore passengers in FY23.
• Airports with passenger numbers ranging between 50 lakh and 1 crore include Goa, Lucknow, Guwahati, Kochi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.

Operational Challenge:

• Delays in procurement and provisioning issues have pushed the installation deadline, with the first scanners expected at IGI Airport in May.

Importance of IGI Airport:

• IGI Airport, operated by GMR, is India’s busiest airport, handling over 6.5 crore passengers in FY23, with an estimated increase to over 7 crore in FY24.
• Undergoing expansion to raise annual passenger capacity to over 10 crore.

Meeting Post-Pandemic Travel Demands:

• With air travel surpassing pre-pandemic levels, there’s a pressing need for the prompt installation of advanced screening machines at congested airports.
• Previous installation deadlines for full-body scanners had lapsed due to pandemic-related disruptions.