CISF likely to take over Jammu airport security

The move is aimed at uniform standards in airport security and improving quality of passenger experience at Jammu and Kashmir airports.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) may take over the security of Jammu airport, according to an official in the ministry of civil aviation who asked not to be identified.

Of the 98 operational airports in the country, the CISF handles security for 59 (HT File Photo)

The move is aimed at having uniform standards in airport security and improve the quality of passenger experience in airports in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

Currently, the three airports in the state, at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh are under the cover of the CRPF and the local police.

According to the official cited above, the CISF has been asked to conduct a survey and take over the Jammu airport first.

Of the 98 operational airports in the country, the CISF handles security for 59.

“The aviation secretary had placed a request for a survey and a preliminary survey of Jammu airport has been conducted. We will need 300 personnel for round the clock security of the airport. Once the written requisition is received, we will do another survey on the equipment required for the airport,” said a CISF officer who asked not to be identified.

The civil aviation ministry has also discontinued the practice of passengers at these airports identifying baggage after check-in.

The ministry is also thinking of allowing hand baggage for passengers travelling out of these airports, but not before a detailed security audit.

Jammu, Leh and Srinagar airport handled over 5.5 million passengers a year and those travelling out are asked to check-in most of their luggage and also identify baggage at the baggage identification area.