1,900 private guards to take up non-core security roles at airports

Around 1,900 private agency guards will take over non-core security roles at over 50 airports in the country. These will replace Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel in a revamp that aims to provide cost-effective, reliable, and professionally competent security service at airports.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the aviation security regulator, issued a circular in this regard in May, and airports have now begun roping in private guards for non-core functions such as segregation of passengers at departure and arrival gates, access control/document check in security hold areas, access to visitor gallery, and security of vital installations.

“We have taken a three-pronged approach to the rationalisation of CISF manpower at airports. We considered architectural designs, technical interventions (installation of