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Indian airports to track every passenger move

The aviation security order issued by BCAS commissioner Gurjyot Singh Malhi instructs authorities to photograph all visitors at airports.

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Last month’s terror attack at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport has resulted in a security overhaul at airports across India. Thirty-six people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured in the suicide bombing at Russia’s busiest airport on January 24. Following the incident, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on February 2 issued a circular, asking airlines, airport operators and security agencies to beef up security in and around airports.

The aviation security order (ASO) issued by BCAS commissioner Gurjyot Singh Malhi instructs authorities to photograph all visitors at airports. “No temporary airport pass should be issued without photographs. Moreover, visitors shall not be allowed to carry baggage in the arrival and departure area,” according to the ASO, a copy of which is available with DNA. It further mentions that every move of people, who drive to the airports or wait for their relatives outside the terminal building, will be recorded.

The ASO has also asked airports to immediately install CCTVs and strengthen the number of CISF personnel at entry and exit points as well as parking lots to keep terrorists at bay. “CCTV cameras in vehicle parking areas shall be installed immediately and parking lots must be guarded by the CISF and airport security unit personnel,” it says.    

The parking lot at Mumbai airport’s domestic terminal in Santa Cruz accomodates 950 vehicles at any given point of time. The figure is 1,500 for the Sahar international airport. Every day, more than 1,500 private vehicles are parked at Santa Cruz and over 3,000 at Sahar. Moreover, because there are 35 ground handling agencies inside the Mumbai airport, around 35,000 people and over 500 vehicles enter the airport. The ASO also asked the authorities to photograph drivers and record the registration number of these vehicles.

A Mumbai International Airport Limited spokesperson said they have begun implementing ASO recommendations. “We have already started installing cameras in the cityside of Santa Cruz terminals 1A and 1B. There are 615 CCTV cameras at both Santa Cruz and Sahar terminals. In the next five months, 700 more will be installed. They will cover parking lots, roads leading to airport terminal buildings and airside (operational area) of the airport,” he said.

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