Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the installation of an Automated X-ray Tray Return System (ATRS) at all airports in India gradually to cut down on human resource expenses. He emphasized the need for setting appropriate standards to ensure the system’s implementation at new airports. Additionally, a comprehensive framework is to be developed, considering the interdependence of various airport elements to maintain smooth passenger flow without disruptions.
The directive follows a meeting between Union Home Minister Shah, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and senior officials to assess passenger facilities, security measures, and immigration processes at major airports. The focus is on prioritizing the development of 21 airports currently under construction and the remaining 41 based on passenger traffic and security standards set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to enhance passenger convenience while adhering to commercial area regulations.
Furthermore, the completion of work at all 62 airports is mandated within the next two years. Minister Shah also tasked the Ministry of Civil Aviation with establishing norms for the number of aerobridges at airports in alignment with passenger and air traffic volumes. He highlighted the need to extend the existing baggage drop facility at 16 major airports to other international airports experiencing high passenger traffic.
In addition, Minister Shah emphasized maintaining the educational qualifications required for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel involved in X-ray screening and ensuring deployment of qualified officers and personnel for the task. He also called for the operationalization of Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) offices in all state headquarters by 2027 and the prompt activation of authorized immigration checkpoints at Agartala and Jewar airports.
To promote the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Travellers’ Programme (FTI-TTP), a mechanism will be established in collaboration with airlines to send WhatsApp messages to passengers during international ticket bookings, encouraging them to register for the program. Minister Shah also instructed independent third-party studies by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Central Industrial Security Force during peak travel seasons to evaluate and minimize passenger delays at all major airport touch-points.
