Aerocity hotels under police scrutiny for security

Cops are reviewing security and granting approval for new hotels. They are scrutinising existing ones as well, especially those facing the runways of IGI Terminal 3

Delhi Police is reviewing safeguards in Aerocity, a hub of luxury hotels, near the high-security airport area following inputs that a few hotels do not comply with guidelines.

Aerocity is a hub of luxury hotels near Indira Gandhi International Airport.(HT File)

With their proximity to Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) runways, the hotels have to follow strict rules outlined by Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) such as no entry of firearms, limited rooftop access, biometric system for access control and ex-servicemen put in-charge of security, among others.

“Threat perception has increased recently. We were told that hotels have started flouting norms. We have also received applications from a few more hotels, which will open for commercial operation,” said a senior police officer.

Apart from reviewing security and granting approval for the new ones, cops are scrutinising the existing ones. They are specially focusing on hotels facing the runways.

With more commercial establishments, including a mall and a convention centre proposed as the biggest in the city, set to expand the controversial Aerocity project, police want a separate station for the 45-acre area.

In 2011, a Delhi Police audit found that constructing hotels in Aerocity would be a security hazard, and objected to their construction. However, the project proceeded with special security rules.

“Many hotels in city have people from army or police background in order to maintain security. After 26/11 attacks, hotels came under scanner and at Aerocity it is mandatory for hotels to follow the guideline issued by the BCAS,” the official said.

The guidelines mandate that all employees in Aerocity area have to undergo background security checks and the management has to maintain records. Also, security in-charge of hotels have has to be ex-servicemen with experience dealing with terror strikes.

“Except the armed personnel of the government, no one is allowed to enter with firearms in the hotels. Also only authorised persons have access to roof tops. All buildings in the Aerocity area have a dedicated security wing to ensure implementation of all desired security procedures,” the official added. Only visitors with bookings in hotels are allowed in Aerocity.