Baggage check-in on airport Metro line to take more time

There will be another three-month wait before baggage check-in facility can be operational on recently launched Airport Expressline Metro. HT reports.

There will be another three-month wait before baggage check-in facility can be operational on recently launched Airport Expressline Metro.

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To look into the various security measures needed to be taken for the facility to be made functional, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has formed an audit committee. According to sources, the committee's audit report will take at least three months to review the security arrangements.

"We have taken the responsibility of security of the airport line, and the issue of city check-in has been discussed at length. The committee will conduct an audit which will decide the fate of city check-in," said Niraj Ranjan Das, director general of the security force.

According to CISF officials, the main concern is that passengers can de-board the train after getting a boarding pass from the Metro station, but there would be no way to trace them. “Passenger check-in is not feasible here due to security concerns. For baggage check-in we are ready, but the baggage will again be screened at airport, as it can be contaminated,” said a CISF official, requesting anonymity.

Passenger check-in facility is planned at three stations of the Expressline: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium and Dhaula Kuan.

CISF wants shoe detectors

Keeping in mind the high threat perception, the CISF has requested the BCAS to provide it with shoe detectors and liquid explosive detectors.

Sensitive airports across the world have these new technologies to combat terror attack.

"We need hi-tech gadgets to tackle terrorism, and we have seen a few attempts at other international airports, where terrorist tried to use liquid explosive. We have requested the BCAS who will ask the airport operators to provide these gadgets to CISF," CISF director general NR Das said.

According to CISF officials, there are metal detectors available, which are designed to test shoes and ankles.