Aviation Secretary Suggests India Consider US-style ‘TSA’ airport security measures
According to a high-ranking official, India needs to create a specialized force similar to the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure airport security in response to the challenges posed by the country’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
In an effort to enhance aviation security in India and establish a security system akin to that of the United States, the Secretary of Aviation has invited input and recommendations from the country’s aviation stakeholders. Rajiv Bansal, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) Secretary, cited the tragic 9/11 aviation attacks and the Kanishka crash as examples of the challenges that may arise as aviation in India continues to expand rapidly. He emphasized the need for security measures like those implemented by the TSA.
Bansal referred to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the Kanishka crash as two defining moments that India should consider. He suggested that India should adopt a similar approach to the US in terms of security.
“The Kanishka crash and the global 9/11 incident are two defining moments for us. The global security landscape changed after 9/11, and the concept of the TSA was developed in the US. Perhaps it is time for India to start thinking along these lines,” he explained.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring security across various transportation systems in the US, such as highways, railroads, buses, and airports. Its main focus is also on preventing aircraft hijacking and improving airport security.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
“I welcome any suggestions from this distinguished audience, including former and current DGs. I would be delighted to consider any views and suggestions they may have,” said Secretary Rajiv Bansal.
Presently, the security of airports in India is entrusted to two professional security agencies, namely the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which operate under the Home Ministry.
Multiple agencies are responsible for the safety and security of transportation in India. However, the government aims to merge all these agencies into a unified system. This system will also include Customs, Immigration, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as they all contribute to aviation safety, security, and policy.
The Indian government is actively improving the security of its airports due to the rapid increase in the number of airports in the country. “Today, we have 148 airports. We aim to have a growing level of about 220 airports in the next three years, ranging from the smallest airports to the largest in Delhi, and a seamless security system,” stated Rajiv Bansal. He also added that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has already deployed security measures to 66 out of the 148 airports.
Furthermore, during the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) raising day on April 27, Director General Zulfiqar Hasan spoke about the organization’s efforts to prevent hijacking despite modern threats in aviation. He highlighted that there have been no hijackings in India in the 21st century and no major incidents in Indian aviation. However, he acknowledged that such incidents have occurred in other parts of the world.
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