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Door frame type metal detectors should be replaced with full body scanners, which speeds up the security clearance process by reducing the need for inspection. (Representative Image: Getty)
The center has issued a tender worth Rs 1,000 crore for airports operated by AAI. New security technology may mean there will be no inspection or need to put your tools in a drawer; Privately run airports such as Delhi and Mumbai are likely to follow
The central government is finally moving to buy new scanners with better technology that can ensure more intensive screening in less time at airports, thus reducing waiting time while raising security levels. After many years of deliberation, the process is underway to procure 131 full-body scanners and 600 new hand baggage scanners at more than Rs 1,000 crore at airports operated by Airports Authority of India (AAI). Most notable in AAI’s list of over thirty airports are Chennai and Kolkata, along with Srinagar and Amritsar.
Delhi and Mumbai airports, which are both run by private companies, also plan to purchase such equipment in fast-track mode this year. News 18 Obtained the global tender documents issued by AAI for the airports in which it operates directly. Full body scanners will cost Rs 788 crore; and hand baggage scanners, Rs 246 crore.
Privacy concerns and the Covid pandemic subsequently delayed the project, but the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has since pushed for it.
How will technology work better?
The door frame type metal detectors currently in use should be replaced with full body scanners, which speeds up the security clearance process by reducing the need for inspection. This will also ensure better screening, particularly at sensitive and highly sensitive airports.
New hand baggage scanners could eliminate the need for passengers to take laptops, phones and other gadgets out of their hand luggage.
The airports on the list are…
related documents News 18 Show that 43 airports will be covered by 131 full-body scanners and 600 new hand baggage machines. The list includes Amritsar, Goa, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Varanasi, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Raipur, Tirupati, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Gorakhpur and Port Blair, among others.
The largest number of body scanners will be installed in Kolkata (13), Chennai (12) and Goa (8) as these airports witness high traffic. If the tender goes smoothly, the deal is expected to be signed by September. Delivery timelines will then be more clear.
Office pay for modern equipment
BCAS is pushing each of these high-tech scanners to improve security. In an earlier bulletin, the bureau said that metal detectors and hand-held metal detectors are unable to detect non-metallic weapons and explosives. But full body scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic items hidden on the body.
Furthermore, new dual-vision hand baggage checking machines could mean less crowding because the process would involve fewer steps – such as passengers not needing to put away tools separately.
Work to a deadline
A media report in April said BCAS had made adoption of the new hand baggage screening systems mandatory for all airports with more than 50 lakh passengers by December 31.
This is one of the reasons why AAI is now in the works; Private airports run by companies are also likely to arrive soon. The bureau had said in May that all highly sensitive airports with annual passenger numbers of more than 1 crore should install full-body scanners.
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