The Mumbai airport, which is always under the radar of terrorists, is set to get an enhanced security system.
The Mumbai airport, which is always under the radar of terrorists, is set to get an enhanced security system.
The Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) is a combination of three kinds of surveillance systems, wherein Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, infrared and radio frequencies are backed by a control room. Any kind of intrusion sends an instant alert to the security agencies. It also gives the exact point of entry of intruders which helps security forces reach the spot quickly.
“Mumbai International Airport Limited (Mial) has issued a tender for the construction of the structure on which PIDS will be installed,” said a spokesperson for Mial.
Mumbai airport, one of the busiest in Asia, handled air traffic of around 29 million passengers and 6,70,235 tonnes of cargo in 2010-11.
Most of the major airports in the world have installed this technology and secured the areas from any threat of terror. However, the technology has not been foolproof as there have been instances when heavy rains and winds and also passing birds have set off alarms. “CCTV footage helps eliminating error in such cases,” an airport official said.
Airport sources say that PIDS is quite significant as nearby slum dwellers cross over to the airport frequently, thereby raising serious questions about its security.
The Mumbai airport is surrounded by slums from most sides with the government failing to move the encroachers apparently due to vote bank politics.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation and Security (BCAS), which monitors security at Indian airports, has plans to make all airports in India install PIDS gradually. PIDS has already been put on trial at the airport in New Delhi.
The importance of PIDS grew only after the World Trade Centre attack in the United States in 2001, when terrorists flew hijacked planes into the twin towers, killing over 3,000 civilians.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}