Patrolling made easy at T3 with Segway
Patrolling inside Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)'s Terminal 3 is going to be a totally new experience. With the commencement of Segway — a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle — supervisors can ensure a safe and effective mobility. Faizan Haidar reports.
Patrolling inside Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)'s Terminal 3 is going to be a totally new experience. With the commencement of Segway — a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle — supervisors can ensure a safe and effective mobility.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which is operating the Delhi airport has introduced Segway Personal Transporters to facilitate operations of the supervisory staff.
"With the length of just one pier of T3 being 1.2 km, these Segway Personal Transporters will provide quick and instant access for the supervisors inside the terminal. With such a huge spread inside the terminal, visibility and mobility of senior supervisory operations staff is of prime importance," said a source.
The compact size of these unique transporters, which has been introduced for the first time in India, allows the driver to even travel in an elevator and reach other floors swiftly.
"These are environment friendly and are also being used inside Munich International Airport, Ben Gurion airport (Israel) and Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam). DIAL has procured four such Segway and it will be used by supervising staff inside the terminal building to ensure constant monitoring at all times," the source added.
Terminal Managers, Terminal Duty Officers, and Fire Officers are using all four units on duty inside Terminal 3. DIAL officials, however, refused to comment on the introduction of Segway.
The airport staff have been specially trained by Bird Group on the safe usage of Segway. The Segway Personal Transporters is well known across the world for its advanced technology and design, as well as its eco-friendly, zero-emissions and energy-efficient qualities. This vehicle can simplify travel in impractical spaces.
The personal transportation segment is new to India and will be beneficial for operations at airports, police patrolling, tourism purposes and large industrial campuses and will be our targeted consumer focus, said a Bird Group official, who refused to be named.
"In addition, universities and research institutes with large campuses and shopping malls will also be targeted," he added.
The Bird Segway, as it will be known in India, uses minimal space, is extremely manoeuvrable, and can operate with ease on pedestrian sidewalks and pathways. It is extremely viable for large industrial campuses and police patrolling requirements for pathways where motorised two-wheelers are difficult to manoeuvre.
Globally, over 1,000 police and security agencies use Segway in their patrolling operations. Experts feels that it can also be used during the upcoming Commonwealth Games for police patrolling, as it will provide an elevated view, higher than any other available motorised options, of the audience and operation in a crowded location.
