Bangalore: Heavy security for international air show

An unprecedented security apparatus has been put in place for the seventh edition of the Aero India international airshow opening in Bangalore.

With the country's IT hub Bangalore being the target of a terror attack last year, an unprecedented security apparatus has been put in place for the seventh edition of the Aero India international airshow opening in Bangalore on Wednesday.

HT Image

Secretary (Defence Production) Pradeep Kumar said a three-tier security ring will be thrown around the Yelahanka Air Force Base venue of the five-day event.

"The CCTV coverage has been expanded. In 2007, there were 30 CCTVs and this year the number has been increased to 140. The baggage scanning machines have also been increased from two to eight. The effort is to have foolproof security," Kumar said at a press conference Tuesday.

For the first time, identity cards embedded with radio-frequency chips have been issued to journalists covering the international event, in which about 600 national and global companies are participating,

"We can keep track of a person wherever he is with the aid of the radio-frequency I-cards." Kumar said.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also deployed commandos from its Garud special force.

"Besides 180 private security personnel, 330 personnel of Defence Security Corps will be deployed along with three battalions (about 300 troopers) of the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force).

"Commandos of the Garud special force will also be on duty. A 10-bed hospital has been readied for any adversity. It will be run by the IAF. A heli (Helicopter) ambulance is also kept ready," Kumar said.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony will Wednesday inaugurate the air show, which is expected to attract 125,000 general and 50,000 business visitors.

Eight synchronized blasts had rocked Bangalore in July last year, killing one woman and injuring several people.