Following the official transfer of security duties at Darbhanga Airport, the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Praveer Ranjan, conducted an assessment of operational readiness and welfare facilities for deployed personnel. Accompanied by senior officers like Binita Thakur and Senthil Avoodai Krishna Raj S, the DG inspected various areas including accommodations, mess facilities, the Security Hold Area (SHA), and critical infrastructure to ensure compliance with aviation security protocols mandated by BCAS. This visit underscored CISF’s dedication to upholding top-tier aviation security standards and the well-being of its personnel.
The security of Darbhanga Airport was officially handed over to CISF by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in a recent ceremony, marking a shift from Bihar Police’s previous security management. With this transition, Darbhanga Airport becomes the 72nd airport in India under CISF protection and the third in Bihar after Patna and Gaya. The strategic significance of this deployment is heightened by the airport’s proximity to the India–Nepal border, an area of concern for issues like smuggling, cross-border activities, and emerging drone threats, given the border’s extensive 729-kilometer stretch requiring enhanced surveillance.
In the initial phase, approximately 145 CISF personnel have been stationed at the airport, tasked with ensuring passenger safety, conducting baggage screenings, monitoring suspicious activities, and managing emergency responses. A comprehensive security framework has been established, incorporating advanced screening technologies, CCTV surveillance, access control measures, and anti-sabotage protocols. Additionally, specialized units such as Quick Response Teams (QRTs), a Bomb Disposal Squad, and K-9 units trained in explosives detection have been deployed to handle potential emergencies effectively.
Darbhanga Airport, operating as a civil enclave within an Indian Air Force station, demands heightened vigilance due to its unique setup. Under the government’s UDAN scheme, the airport has evolved into a vital link for North Bihar, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and witnessing a steady rise in passenger traffic. This growth has positively impacted trade, employment, and tourism in the region.
