With terror threat on the aviation sector looming large, Government has decided to introduce checking of passengers at ladder-points in all functional airports across the country and enhance the strength of sky marshals on more flights.

These and other measures were reviewed at a meeting Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had with airport operators, airlines and all concerned agencies.

"The ladder-point checking (of passengers) will be introduced at all airports progressively," Patel said, adding that security at all functional airports, big or small, was being "re-looked, reviewed and strengthened".

He said the strength of the sky marshals would be enhanced and the number of domestic flights, on which they would be deployed, increased.

Among other measures was to strengthen security system on the perimeter of airports and introduce biometric access to airports, he said. "I would urge all those concerned, including the passengers, to cooperate in strengthening the security measures. Everyone should cooperate." Asked whether security surcharge would be introduced to meet the additional costs, the Minister said this was not yet being considered. Security systems would be introduced at all airports "whatever it takes. We will put in place sophisticated equipments at the airports."

Airports in major metro cities have been on high security alert in the wake of intelligence inputs that terrorists may attack them. PTI

The remote location of Bengaluru International Airport adds to the responsibility of the airport promoters BIAL, to ensure proper and adequate facilities for the people who work at the airport. I have always maintained that it is imperative to take care of the people who take care of us. Their comfort ensures efficiency and alertness. Two vital aspects in any operation, more so in an airport.

This report by Express News is most concerning.

They have been guarding the airports round-the-clock for a week now after a red-alert was sounded that there could be possible air-borne attacks and hijacking of aircraft.

But, for the 40-odd Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandos posted at various locations at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA), the world-class airport is nothing short of a parched fortress.

The commandos who are part of the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) which was formed after the Mumbai attacks and the sounding of the red-alert, on 12-hour duty, alleged that they have not been provided with basic facilities at the airport.

“We are treated badly whenever we head to the water container to quench our thirst. We are shooed away by the airport officials. They ask us to fetch water from elsewhere,” a CISF commando told Express.

The commandos who have been posted at the parking bays and outside the terminal area among other locations, said that facilities at the HAL airport were better when they were posted there.

“At HAL airport, it was the AAI which was at the helm of affairs. But here the private promoters are not bothered about the CISF,” added a commando who moved to the BIA upon the closure of the HAL airport.Besides, CISF commandos say that they have to confine themselves to vehicles for accommodation.

I feel that the Express reporters should have requested for a response from BIAL, to understand their situation, reasons, and given a more balanced story. Assuming this story is true, I am horrified. Denying drinking water is not the done thing, EVER.