Cargo, check-in baggage now under CISF scanner

NEW DELHI: Amid the current heightened threat perception, government has asked Central Industrial Security Force ( CISF ) to oversee screening of cargo and check-in baggage of passengers for the time being. So far, airport operators and airlines had been taking care of check-in baggage and cargo screening.

While CISF does pre-boarding frisking of passengers apart from checking their cabin bags, airport operators and airlines took care of check-in baggage and cargo screening.

"In a significant decision to boost security across Indian civil airports , DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security ( BCAS ) has (on) May 9, 2025, temporarily extended the role of CISF to provide additional security cover to cargo operations and the in-line hold baggage screening system (ILHBSS). This arrangement, effective from May 9 to May 18, 2025.The enhancement of CISF's mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil airports," CISF said in a statement.

CISF responded immediately and is now doing the oversight for cargo and baggage operations. "CISF will oversee operations and the security staff of airport operators for ILHBSS. The directives also authorise CISF personnel to perform random checks and oversee access control to these critical facilities. All the airports under cover of CISF, have already implemented the new strengthened system," it added.