Road Map-FInal 3

CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE

Aviation Security Headquarters

ROAD MAP 0
2021-22

Index

Sr. Subject/Particulars Page
No. Number

1. Foreword 2-3
2. Road Map : Features 4
3. Methodology 5
4. Guiding document for Road Map : Global Aviation Security Plan 6-7
5. Stakeholders 8
6. Aviation Sector and CISF 9-11
7. Mission 12
8. Recapitulating current status of CISF ASGs 13-28
9. The Differentiator 29-30
10. Preparing for the future 31-37
11. SWOT Analysis 38-46
12. Vision 47
13. Strategic Vision 48-59
14. Tactical Response 60-87
15. Operational Planning and Implementation plan of ASGs 88-97
16. Glossary 98
17. Bibliography 99

1

FOREWORD

Aviation Security has been one of the most important components of CISF’s
mandate. It is also one of the most dynamic, publicly visible and international
environment sensitive sectors.

The dual pulls of public interface on one hand, and the operational exigencies
on the other make CISF’s mandate highly demanding in terms of the response
quality. The two pronged challenge of evolving security threats on one hand and
growing number of passengers with expectation of a smooth, contactless & seamless
transit, on the other make the situation more complex.

CISF has been very commendably handling this twin mandate right from the
day of its induction into Aviation Sector and over the years, has established its name
very firmly in Aviation Security in particular and internal security apparatus in
general by continued proactive operational orientation.

However, such evolution of any of
the operational mandates necessitates a
continuous dynamic adaptation with the
environment in terms of operational
practices, technological innovations and
development of human resources. This
needs to ensure continuous pro-active
consolidation and up-gradation of
knowledge, skills and attitudes of the
personnel in a meticulously planned
manner with well defined goals and
objectives. These goals and objectives
need to be understood and internalized by
personnel at all levels to ensure desired outcomes.

This can only be effectively achieved by envisaging a well-articulated roadmap
with defined milestones. These milestones need to be verifiable, measurable and
well documented. The areas to be covered under such a robust roadmap would be
operational practices, procedures, equipment up-gradation, modernization,
infrastructural consolidation & up-gradation, training consolidation & up-gradation,
creation of SOPs and documentation of various types, human resource development,
enhanced two-way communication within the airport and within APS, enhanced
motivation, welfare practices beyond financial assistance, enhanced happiness at all
levels, review of channels of reporting, frequency & content of reporting and various
aspects related to the above mentioned broad areas.

This roadmap document consists of five Sections.

The first section places various components of aviation security in global
perspective and highlights important features of this roadmap and the methodology
followed.

2

This is followed by a brief summary of the basic critical and relatively static
information related to Aviation Security Groups in CISF, providing a glimpse of the
spectrum of professional aspects of aviation security wing of CISF.

The next section consists of the dynamic nature of aviation security and
demands a critical review of the strengths, the weaknesses, opportunities and
threats from a managerial angle in the existing context.

The fourth section consists of the long term strategic response and also the
short term tactical planning to achieve the key result areas, identified on the basis of
the detailed strategic analysis.

Finally the fifth section lists the
micro action plan template for the
actual areas which will be covered at
the operational level.

Thus, the three levels of
decision making and perspective i.e.
strategic, tactical and operational will
give a framework for setting targets,
goals and objectives at different levels
to the concerned officers and for
monitoring the same periodically and
to make the professional development
more focused, measurable and quantifiable.

The roadmap chalked out in the succeeding pages thus, has been a product
of a very detailed hard work for the last two months at various levels. I am,
therefore sure that while on one hand all the Aviation Security Groups and their
officers would maintain and improve the level of their professional excellence, on the
other they would also use this roadmap as a framework for continuous assessment
and advancement so as to take the benchmark of their professional achievements to
a higher level.

I express my profound appreciation for all those members of APS who have
contributed in making this document a comprehensive plan of action.

I am also immensely thankful to DG, CISF, SDG HQ and other officers of FHQ
for their constant guidance and support.

(Pramod Shripad Phalnikar, IPS)
Additional Director General, CISF

3

Road Map: Features

PARTICIPATIVE VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL

 Small groups held INTEGRATION

brainstorming sessions in all  ASG level vision documents

ASGs. through horizontal brainstorming.

 All members involved.  Vertical integration through

 Similar exercises at review and synchronization at

Zonal/Sector HQrs. level. Zonal, Sector, Headquarters level.

HOLISTIC REALISTIC

 All relevant structures and  The international nature of

processes of operational and aviation security demands high

administrative components end technical response and

covered. uniformity in all airports.

 Human resource specific  In the existing scenario and

attention: financial constraints post COVID-

I. Professional and personal 19, this may not be immediately

development. releasable.

II. Happiness quotient of  Therefore, the well-researched

personnel and their technical solutions being

families top importance. envisaged without exact time-

III. Environmental impact frame.

external linkages and

impact comprehensive

analysis.

HUMAN RESOURCES – FUTURISTIC
 Various trends in International
GREATEST ASSETS
Aviation in terms of passenger
 Personal welfare policy traffic and related technical
innovations as well as emerging
beyond financial assistance threats for a significant period.
 Necessary adaptations planned in
given specific importance. a time bound manner.

 Subjective well- being (SWB

happiness quotient) to be

specifically addressed.

 Comprehensive measures and

compilation of best practices.

4

Methodology

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING FRAME WORK
 Existing rules, regulations, documents properly analyzed
 MHA, MoCA, BCAS, DGCA, AAI documents comprehensively studied
and analyzed

SWOT ANALYSIS
 Realistic look on strength, weakness, opportunity and threats
 Existing documents, lesson learnt, recommendations by CASOs and
brainstorming at various levels
 Analysis by professional having decades of field experience

STRATEGIC/TACTICAL/OPERATIONAL LEVEL OF VISION
 Conceptualization of action frame work based on the level of operation
and supervision

5

Guiding document for Road Map
Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP)

The International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO notes that the civil
aviation sector plays a significant role in the global economy. A secure air transport
service enhances connectivity in trade and tourism, and strengthens political and
cultural links amongst States. Aviation promotes global economic growth, and is a
critical necessity for the economic progress and development in many States. Annual
international air passenger traffic is expected to reach six billion by 2030 from about
3.3 billion today, while air cargo transported is expected to increase to 125 million
tonnes from 50 million tonnes.
ICAO further notes that with the air traffic projected to increase significantly in the
future, there is a need for a planning framework at international, regional
and national levels to manage growth in a safe, secure and efficient
manner. By ensuring the security of the aviation system, States help to establish
public confidence in their aviation system and provide a strong foundation for trade
and tourism globally.
The current threat and risk environment demand that aviation security remains
among the highest of priorities for States and the global international community.
This was highlighted by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2309 (2016) –
Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: Aviation security
adopted in September 2016 (UNSCR 2309), which calls upon ICAO, States and
stakeholders to comply with their treaty obligations and international responsibilities
as they relate to aviation security, and by ICAO Assembly Resolution A39-18
(Consolidated statement of continuing ICAO policies related to aviation security), in
accordance with international law.
In the 39th Session of the ICAO Assembly (September 2016), it was agreed that
there was a need for the accelerated development of a Global Aviation Security
Plan (GASeP) as a future aviation security policy and programming framework. The
GASeP replaced the ICAO Comprehensive Aviation Security Strategy (ICASS). The
GASeP addresses the needs of States and industry in guiding all aviation security
enhancement efforts through a set of internationally agreed priority actions, ta sks
and targets.
The GASeP of ICAO provides the foundation for States, industry, stakeholders and
ICAO to work together with the common goal of enhancing aviation security
worldwide and achieving the following five key priority goals:

a) Enhance risk awareness and response;
b) Develop security culture and human capability;
c) Improve technological resources and foster innovation;
d) Improve oversight and quality assurance; and
e) Increase cooperation and support.

6

The Plan calls for the action at global, regional and national levels, as well as by
industry and all other stakeholders, in raising the level of implementation of Annex
17 — Security. The objective is to help ICAO, States and stakeholders enhance the
effectiveness of global aviation security.
In sync with the GASeP, this Road Map of the CISF Aviation Security Group has
been prepared with the following guiding principles: -

a) No Airport Security Group (ASG) left behind – To ensure that NCASP
(National Civil Aviation Security Programme) requirements areuniformly applied
and executed across all Airports secured by CISF’s Aviation Security Group
Units to ensure safe, secure and reliable air travel.

b) Effective implementation of the appropriate security system and its
compliance at all the airports.

c) Sustainable security system – The security measures proposed are
proportionate and realistic in the long term and an outcome of the coordinated
and collaborative efforts of all related stakeholders in civil aviation security
sector.

d) Cooperation and information sharing – To strengthen cooperation with all
stakeholders and prompt sharing of information among all internal and
external stakeholders.

e) Security Culture and Human Resource Development – To establish a
strong and robust security culture and to develop capacity building by trained
human resources.

f) Innovation – To encourage stakeholders to devise, establish and share new
and innovative ways to implement security policies and measures; and

g) Identifying, understanding and managing risk - Enhance understanding
of aviation security risks, and take appropriate and effective action.

The CISF Civil Aviation Roadmap also draws inspiration and guidance from similar
efforts of other external related stakeholders like TSA of US and aviation security
agencies, airlines, passenger bodies of European Union, UK etc.
The CISF Civil Aviation Roadmap as a “guiding” document shall be periodically
reviewed and adjusted to take into account new and emerging aviation security
requirements & concerns.

7

STAKEHOLDERS

Aviation security by its very nature is a complex multi-stakeholder concept
with the consumer as its ultimate focus.

CISF, therefore, needs to continuously keep on evolving methods of
communication and co-operation to address all related aspects of aviation security.

Such involvement of multiple agencies having their own mandates and
responsibilities in providing requisite approvals, regulations, security infrastructure,
gadgetry, finances, and thereby a congenial airport atmosphere has also been kept
in mind while formulating this roadmap. Though these documents per se do not
specifically deal with any of the agencies in detail, all the relevant aspects would be
worked out in the minutest detail while actually executing the strategic, tactical and
operational level decisions underlined hereafter in succeeding pages.

Aviation security arm of CISF works under the overall supervision & guidance
of CISF HQ, which in turn, functions under the administrative and operational control
of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As far as domain of aviation security is
concerned, aviation security arm of CISF functions under guidance of Ministry of Civil
Aviation (MoCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). CISF Aviation Security
Groups at different airports also continuously work in co-ordination with airport
operators such as Airports Authority of India (AAI) or Joint Venture (JV) operators
like DIAL, BIAL, etc and also airline operators like Air India, Indigo, Spice jet etc.,
apart from various cargo operators, ground handling agencies etc., functioning at
the airport.

For the actual operational functioning, CISF also keeps a close co-ordination
with the state police, Intelligences agencies, National Security Guard (NSG), Indian
Air Force, Indian Navy, Customs, Income Tax, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
(DRI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB),
National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Bureau of Police Research & Development
(BPR&D), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Airport Health Officer (APHO).

8

Aviation Sector and
CISF

9

CISF as Aviation Security Group (ASG)

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a premier, multi-dimensional,
modern and tech savvy force of the Government of India originally mandated to
provide integrated security cover to the vital and highly threat prone economic and
commercial assets of the country including those in space, oil and natural gas,
nuclear power, steel and ports sector, etc. Its role has been extended to secure
other sensitive and key mass transportation system like DMRC, iconic and heritage
installations like Red Fort, Taj Mahal and further extended to key installations in the
private sector. CISF plays a very significant role in India’s economic growth by
providing a safe and secure economic environment.

In the backdrop of the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December
1999, the prevailing arrangements of securing Indian airports was reviewed by the
Government of India and it was decided to entrust the security of airports to a single
dedicated Force instead of the Airports Security Unit (APSU) of State Police of the
respective States where the Airports was geographically located . The Committee of
Secretaries (CoS) in its meeting on 7thJanuary, 2000 recommended that in the long-
term, there was a need for a professional Force for civil aviation. The Commissioner
of Security (CA) further recommended that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
should be inducted at all the airports in India to ensure uniform standardization of
security procedures.

The dedicated wing of CISF earmarked for aviation security functions
at airports in India has been notified as Aviation Security Group (ASG). In pursuance
of the policy of the Government, Jaipur Airport was the first to be extended the CISF
ASG cover where CISF got inducted on 3rd Feb 2000. CISF created an exclusive
Airport Sector (APS) for the centralized monitoring and supervision of the operations
of the ASGs of CISF deployed at airports and managing the administrative and the
personnel matters of the large ASG workforce.

Induction ceremony of CISF at Jaipur Airport

10

Aviation Security Group: Mandate & Role

The mandate assigned to the CISF ASG has been
" To undertake aviation security functions in order to prevent unlawful interference

with Civil Aviation operations..."
The operational role of the ASG CISF at Airports emanates from the following
security functions assigned to it:-

Anti Hijacking Unit
 Pre-embarkation security checks- passenger frisking and baggage.
checking with the help of X-BIS.
 Strict access control.
 Security of sterile area.

Protection unit
 Terminal building guarding
 Protection of perimeter and vital installations of airport
 Quick Reaction Teams
 Mobile Patrolling
 Cargo Security in limited role wherever deployed
 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad Dog Squad
 Counter Terrorist Contingency Plan at Delhi and Mumbai

Intelligence and surveillance unit
 Surveillance at the airports and of arriving/departing passengers.
 Profiling of passengers, staff and visitors.
 CCTV Surveillance

The ASG of CISF has been discharging its mandate and the assigned role over
the last two decades guided by its Mission statement.

11

Mission

To protect the civil aviation
operations entrusted to CISF and to
ensure flawless movement of people
and commerce by updating and
integrating the security procedures in
close collaboration with various
stakeholders, sustaining safe and
secure environment.

12

CISF ASGs: Recapitulating current status

I. Footprint

CISF ASGs have progressively been inducted at 64 airports upto December 2020,out

of the 101 operational airports in India. The airports in India are categorized as

"Hypersensitive ", “Sensitive” or “Normal" based on threat perception, risk and

vulnerability analysis conducted on a periodic basis by intelligence agencies. The

CISF ASG coverage to Airports classified on their latest threat categorization is as

under:

Category Operational Under CISF Not under CISF

Airports security cover security cover

Hyper-sensitive 29 21 8

Sensitive 57 40 17

Normal 15 3 12

Total 101 64 37

13

Table-1: Airports under CISF security cover

Hyper-Sensitive Sensitive Normal

Sl Airport Sl Airport Sl Airport Sl Airport
No No
1. Amritsar No No 1. Gwalior
2. IGI Delhi
3. Jaipur 1. Agra 21. Bhuj 2. Rajkot
4. Varanasi
5. Lucknow 2. Chandigarh 22. Goa 3. Bhavnagar
6. Agartala
7. Bagdogra 3. Indore 23. Nagpur
8. Guwahati
9. Imphal 4. Bhuntar 24. Vadodara
10. Kolkata 5. Kanpur 25. Calicut
11. Raipur 6. Shimla 26. Cochin
12. Bangalore 7. Udaipur 27. Coimbatore
13. Chennai 8. Dehradun 28. Mangalore
14. Hyderabad 9. Khajuraho 29. Tirupati
15. Mumbai 10. Dibrugarh 30. Trichy
16. Pune
17. Jodhpur 11. Dimapur 31. Trivandrum
18. Ahmedabad
19. Srinagar 12. Gaya 32. Vizag
20. Jammu
21. Leh 13. Jorhat 33. Tezpur

14. Lilabari 34. Shillong

15. Patna 35. Bhubaneswar

16. Ranchi 36. Diu

17. Silchar 37. Portblair

18. Aurangabad 38. Madurai

19. Porbandar 39. Shirdi

20. Bhopal 40. Kannur

14

Table-2: Airports not under CISF security cover

Hyper-Sensitive Sensitive Normal

Sl Airport Sl Airport Sl Airport
No No No
1. Thoise, Leh (J&K) 1. Kangra (HP) 1. Hubli (Kar)
2. Keshod (Guj)
2. HAL (Kar) 2. Vijayawada (AP) 3. Kolhapur (Mah)
4. Kota (Raj)
3. Safdarjung(Del) 3. Agatti (Lakshadweep) 5. Andal, Durgapur (WB)
6. Puducherry
4. Juhu (Mah) 4. Allahabad (UP)
7. Puttaparthy (AP)
5. Kargil (J&K) 5. Gorakhpur (UP)
6. Begumpet, 6. Jaisalmer (Raj) 8. Salem (TN)
9. Sholapur (Mah)
(T elangana) 7. Jabalpur (MP)
7. Pathankot 10. Coochbehar (WB)
8. Kandla (Gujarat) 11. Tuticorin (TN)
(Punjab) 9. Lengpui 12. Belgaum (Kar)
8. Pakyong (Sikkim)
(Aizawl/Mizoram)
10. Ludhiana (Pun)
11. Mysore (Kar)
12. Jamnagar (Guj)
13. Nanded (Mah)
14. Nasik (Mah)
15. Pantnagar (Uttrakhand)
16. Rajahmundry (AP)
17. Surat (Guj)

15

II. CISF ASG cover to RCS Airports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) -UDAN
(Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in the year 2016 with
the aim to connect un-served &under-served
airports and to make flying affordable under this
scheme.

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued a list
of 103 airports identified under Regional
Connectivity scheme (RCS).

As per the provisions of the Scheme, Security
and Fire Services at RCS airports are to be
provided by the respective State Government
free of cost for the next three years from date of
induction.

It is noteworthy that 14 airports listed under the RCS are already under CISF
security cover.

[Table-03]

S.No Airport S.No. Airport

1. Shimla 8. Shillong (Barapani)

2. Agra 9. Bhavnagar

3. Gwalior 10. Jorhat

4. Diu 11. Lilabari

5. Kanpur 12. Tezpur

6. Kullu (Bhuntar) 13. Kannur

7. Porbandar 14. Srinagar

To ensure uniform and standardized security procedures across the country at
airports, CISF has proposed the following two hybrid models to the Ministry of Civil
Aviation for extending CISF cover to the remaining 89 airports identified under RCS:

i) In the 1st model, CISF has proposed a joint deployment of CISF and state
police. As per the template, there will be a requirement of 57 security
personnel for the security of RCS airports viz. 27 CISF and 30 State Police
personnel.

ii) In the 2nd model, CISF has proposed a joint deployment of CISF and CAPF
(Retired) personnel. As per the model, there will be a requirement of 44
security personnel for the security of RCS airports viz. 25 CISF and 19 CAPF
personnel (Retired). Further, if any component of PIDS like electronic fence
is installed at the perimeter, then only 41 personnel will be required (25
CISF and 16 retired CAPF personnel).

These proposals are under active consideration at MoCA/BCAS.

16

Table-4: RCS Airports not under CISF security
cover

S.No. Airport S.No. Airport S.No. Airport
1. Kaddapa 31. Salem 61. Utkal
2. Pathankot 32. Solapur 62. Keshod
3. Jamnagar 33. Bareill 63. Baldota/Koppal
4. Pantnagar 34. Chektri 64. Hubli
5. Bhatinda 35. Chitrakoot 65. Almora
6. Bikaner 36. Jhansi 66. Chainyalisur
7. Ludhiana 37. Muradabad 67. Dharchula
8. Vidhya Nagar 38. Rampur 68. Gaucher
9. Burnpur 39. Shravasti 69. Haldwani
10. Cooch Behar 40. Rupsi 70. Haridwar
11. Durgapur (Andal) 41. Tezu 71. Hisar
12. Jamshedpur 42. Tuting 72. Joshimath
13. Rourkela 43. Walong 73. Kasauli
14. Mithapur (Dwarka) 44. Yingkiong 74. Manali
15. Adampur 45. Ziro 75. Mandi
16. Kandla 46. Jiribam 76. Mussoorie
17. Mundra 47. Moreh 77. Nainital
18. Pondicherry 48. Parbung 78. NathpaJhakri
19. Ambikapur 49. Tamenglong 79. New Tehri
20. Bilaspur 50. Thanlon 80. Pithoragarh
21. Nanded 51. Kishangarh 81. Ramnagar
22. Jagdalpur 52. Uttarlai, Barmer 82. Sahastradhara
23. Jaisalmer 53. Pakyong, Sikkim 83. Thanjavur
24. Jalgaon 54. Aligarh 84. Kargil
25. Jeypore 55. Allahabad 85. Vellore
26. Jharsuguda 56. Azamgarh 86. Daporijo
27. Kolhapur 57. Darbhanga 87. Itanagar
28. Mysore 58. Bokaro 88. Nagaon
29. Ozar (Nashik) 59. Dumka 89. Pasighat
30. Raigarh (Jindal) 60. Muirpur (Korba)

17

III. Status of ASG manpower
(As on Feb, 2021)

Sr. No. Particulars Manpower
i. 33662
Sanctioned strength at 64 airports under CISF
ii. security cover 2534
Manpower augmentation proposed at 25
existing airports under active consideration and
pending for release.

Manpower sanctioned by MHA for 04 Airports

(Surat, Vijayawada, Jabalpur and Jamnagar)

iii. but CISF induction is pending due to non- 780
460
completion of pre-induction formalities and 3049

guarantee letter from operator

Manpower deployed by CISF on Internal
iv. Security duty pattern at 13 airports,pending

regular augmentation

Manpower to be reduced from the existing

sanctioned strength at 64 airports following the

v. Government's decision to replace CISF from
duty posts identified as "non-core” by private

security agencies to be hired by airport

operators.

18

IV. Status of advanced technologies

A judicious blend of human resources and
modern gadgetry has been adopted by
CISF to protect critical infrastructure of
Aviation Sector. CISF personnel use 1119
DFMDs, 3992 HHMDs, 571 X-BISs, 382
ETD / EVDs, 22225 CCTV cameras to
secure the Airports under its cover.

In addition to the standard gadgets and
processes used by them, CISF/ASGs in
coordination with the BCAS and respective Airport Operators have tested and
installed new innovative technological solutions and processes at some of the
airports:-

A. Partly Installed :

1) Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS)
2) Automated Tray Retrieval System (AT RS)
3) Express Security check-in facility for passengers
4) Video analytics system
5) E-learning Management system – for online screeners training
6) XOVIS Passenger Tracking System (PTS)
7) Palmtop Device at Pre-embarkation Security Check Points for better

documentation

B. Under Trial/Testing /Demonstration :

1) Full Body Scanner
2) Aadhaar Based Automated entry

system
3) Biometric Access Control System
4) Digi Yatra trial based on E- gate
5) Facial Recognition System
6) Body Worn Camera
7) CT –XBIS (Computed Tomography –

XBIS) for cabin baggage
8) Biometric AEP (Airport Entry Permit)

19

V. Operational Preparedness measures

 Contingency Plan

Contingency plans on various
contingencies have been prepared by
ASG Units and vetted by the
concerned authorities.

The mock drills /exercises on the
following contingency scenarios are

conducted at the airports regularly to
evaluate the operational preparedness,
response time, inter-agency
coordination, role clarity of the ASG
and other stakeholders:

o Attack at Airport on facilities & airport users (Terminal Building)
o Armed attack within airport boundaries
o Armed attack on aircraft
o Armed attack from external points near the airport premises
o Unlawful seizure of vital installations
o Sabotage of vital installations
o Hostage taking at the airport
o Use of Aircraft for criminal purposes
o Fidayeen-type terrorist attack at

airport and its facilities
o Bomb threats

Frequency of Contingency Mock Drills

o One mock drill/exercise every
fortnight at the 25 Hyper-sensitive
&the International airports.

o Once in a month at the 39 sensitive and the normal airports.

Mock exercises / drills conducted in last 3 years :

Y ear Hyper-sensitive & Sensitive and T otal
international airports normal airports
2018 1664
2019 561 1103 1657
2020 540 1117 1525
T otal 4846
568 957
1669 3177

20

 Anti-Hijacking Mock Exercise (AHME)

The Anti-Hijacking Mock Exercise is meticulously conducted once every year at
each airport to test the efficacy of the Contingency Plan prepared to handle a
hijack situation at the Airport level and also to test the Sub Plan of each agency
mandated with response role in such contingency .

During the last 3 years, Anti-Hijacking Exercises were successfully conducted at
all the airports under CISF cover except 2020 as due to COVID-19 outbreak, 4
airports under CISF cover could not conduct AHE-2020.

Year Anti-Hijacking exercise
at CISF cover airports
2018
2019 All 61 airports
2020
All 61 airports

60 out of 64 airports

 Quick Reaction Team (QRT)of CISF: -
A well-equipped, trained QRT team of CISF
is deployed to respond and neutralize any
armed attack at all the airports. The
strength of the QRT depends on the size
and scale of operations of the Airport.

 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad:
BDDSof CISF has been made operational to
swiftly and effectively verify, reconcile any
suspect unclaimed items in airport
premises and to handle any contingencies
involving Bombs, explosives, Improvised
Explosive Devices etc at 20 major airports
viz.Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata,
Hyderabad, Cochin, Amritsar, Imphal,
Raipur, Goa, Bangalore, Srinagar, Jammu,
Leh, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Guwahati,
Trivandrum, Jaipur and Pune .

21

 Dog Squads have been made operational at 57 airports under CISF security
cover to conduct explosive detection function and effective anti-sabotage checks
at the airports and to supplement the efforts of the BDDS at 20 airports.

 Quality Control : Security Audits& Inspections

Inspection and Security Audits of CISF ASGs @ minimum one audit every year by

the supervisory level official of CISF are being carried out to review and evaluate

the security arrangements on a regular basis. These mechanisms serve to

systematically identify non-compliances

shortcomings, bottlenecks as well as

the constraints and also suggest

realistic corrective measures to

strengthen the security arrangements

at various airport units. These audits

are in addition to the statutory audit

and inspection of the ASGs carried out

by the Regulator.

 Quality Control: Dummy & Decoy checks are conducted frequently by the
Regulator as well as CISF teams to covertly test the compliance of security
processes & procedures by the ASG personnel and to check the alertness and
preparedness of ASG personnel.

22

VI. Capacity Building Efforts

CISF trains its personnel deployed for Aviation security duties in accordance with the
provisions of the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP).

 Aviation Security Training Institutes :-
CISF ASG personnel are trained at the 06 Aviation Security Training
Institutes (ASTIs) of CISF, accredited by the BCAS at the following
locations : -
I. ASTI Delhi at CISF Unit, IGI Airport Delhi
II. ASTI Mumbai at CISF Unit, CSIA Mumbai.
III. ASTI Kolkata at CISF Unit, ASG Kolkata
IV. ASTI Chennai at CISF Unit, ASG Chennai
V. ASTI Hyderabad at CISF National Industrial Security Academy,
Hyderabad.
VI. ASTI Arakkonam at CISF RTC Arakkonam.

 BASIC AVIATION SECURITY(AVSEC) COURSE
o Basic AVSEC training is imparted to ASG personnel who get posted at the
Airports, with a view to equip them with the requisite aptitude,
knowledge and skills needed for Aviation Security tasks.
23

o The training syllabus has 21 modules, developed by the Bureau of Civil
Aviation Security (BCAS). These 21 modules are based on ICAO Security
Manual – Annexure 17.

o National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) under
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of
India, conducts on-line exam on behalf of BCAS.

o Maximum marks in the question paper are 100. The candidate has to
score minimum 80 marks to qualify.

o Number of CISF personnel qualifying the Basic AVSEC Course in the last 3
years :

Year Number of personnel passed

2018 2198
2019 2210
2020 320
In the year 2020, total 72 batches of Basic AvSec
Courses were planned at CISF ASTIs, out of which, only
20 batches were conducted and 52 batches were
cancelled due to COVID-19.

 SCREENER CERTIFICATION TEST : -

o CISF ASG deploys only qualified and certified screeners for frisking duties
and screening duties on X-BIS machine. CISF ASG personnel need to
qualify screener certification test conducted by the BCAS. CISF personnel,
who have qualified Basic AVSEC Course, are eligible to appear in Screener
certification test.

o The candidate should have sixty
hours of working experience on
security gadgets of SHA under the
guidance of an AVSEC trained
screener.

o In this course, training of 3 days
in X-ray BIS, ETD, DFMD, HHMD
along with class room sessions is
imparted before the certification
test. The certification test has a
duration of two days.

o Candidate has to secure a minimum of 80 % marks to pass the screener
certification test.

24

o Screener certification test of ASG personnel is conducted by BCAS
through a Board consisting of one officer from BCAS and another from
Airport Operator/Airline Operator.

o Following number of CISF Personnel qualified Screeners certification test
in the last 3 years:

Year Number of personnel passed

2018 3084
2019 2979
2020 1773
In the year 2020, total 183 batches of Screener
Certification Courses were planned for CISF personnel,
out of which, only 91 batches were conducted and 92
batches were cancelled due to COVID-19.

 Higher Specialized AVSEC Courses :

o Eligible CISF ASG officials are trained in higher specialized AvSec
Courses run by the BCAS: -

a. AvSec Management Course - 09 working Days.
b. AvSec Auditor Course - 07 working Days
c. AvSec Crisis Management course - 05 working Days
d. AvSec Supervisor’s course - 08 working Days.
e. AvSec Instructor’s Course - 07 working Days

 Special Tactical Training:

With an intent of preparing QRT ,
Terminal Marshal and the frontline
ASG personnel on situational
awareness and special tactics to
handle any urban combat situation
including attacks in check-in hall /city
side like Brussels and Istanbul, a
Special Tactical Training Programme
has been developed for ASG
personnel. 320 ASG personnel have
been trained at NISA Hyderabad from
May’ 2017 till date. These personnel
are further utilised in imparting
training to ASG personnel.

 Soft Skills
o Soft skills are an integral part of our training programme to train ASG
personnel in public dealing.

25

o To have a better impact on the Force personnel, a training film has also
been made which is shown during the course of this training.

o CISF has trained 593 of its ASG personnel on TOT (Training of Trainers)
basis from various specialized professional agencies, having expertise in
the field of soft skills. These TOT trained personnel have been utilised to
impart an in-house training to other CISF personnel on a regular basis.

o A weekly training regimen in this regard has also been started from 3rd
August’2015 which is being monitored every week at the Airport Sector
level. In the last 3 years, the following personnel have attended such
training programme :-

Period No. of personnel
Jan to Dec, 2018 38,475
Jan to Dec, 2019 34,950
2020 (upto March) 8,174

 Behaviour Detection Training :
o To identify passengers and visitors
having possible malintent at an early
stage, CISF ASG personnel receive
training on observation of suspicious
traits and behaviour in the airport
premises.

o ASG personnel have been trained on
a TOT (Training of Trainers) basis
from ICTS, Europe, with the help of TSA, BCAS and Intelligence Bureau.
These TOT trained personnel are imparting an in-house training to ASG
personnel on a regular basis.

o The following number of ASG personnel were trained on Behaviour
Detection : -

Period No. of personnel
From Jan to Dec’2018 3,124
From Jan to Dec’2019 3,231
2020 (conducted till March) 450

 Specialized Training

o CISF ASG personnel are being imparted training on various specialized,
refresher courses viz. VIP Security, Disaster Management, STF
Commando, BDDS etc at the major training centres of CISF :

- National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) Hyderabad.
- Fire Service Training Institute (FSTI) Hyderabad
- Recruit Training Centre (RTC) Arakkonam, Tamilnadu.
- RTC Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh
- RTC Bhilai, Chhattisgarh
- RTC Behror, Rajasthan
- RTC Deoli, Rajasthan
- RTC Mundali, Odisha
- CISF Dog Training School, Ranchi

26

VII. Passenger interface, feedback methods

CISF ASGs attempt to be accountable, responsive and user-friendly in their approach
to the public. It is noted that number of complaints on security related matters are
generated at airports. An efficient and effective feedback and griev ance redressal
mechanism, nevertheless, has been created to examine and take prompt corrective
action on stakeholder’s feedback.

 Public Display of telephone number and e-mail IDs:
In addition to feedback forms,
complaint/feedback register is made
available to passengers at the airports.
Important telephone numbers, including that
of Control rooms are conspicuously displayed
at the airports for an easy access to the
travelling passengers and airport users. E-
mail IDs of senior officials of Airport Sector
have also been made available for
passengers and airport users for
communicating suggestion / grievances.

 Complaint redressal mechanism at the airports :
Any complaint/grievances received from passengers either verbal or in feedback
register is evaluated on the spot and efforts are made to address the issue
before the departure /exit of the passengers from the airport.

Similar mechanism has been devised for any feedback received at CISF Zonal
Hqrs, Sector Hqrs or APS HQ level. Every communication received at the
Headquarter formation is examined and evaluated at the Headquarter level which
includes comments/reports from the concerned Airports, review of CCTV etc to
establish any non-compliance to the SOP and deviation from the expected
behavioral norms on part of the ASG personnel. Suitable corrective action is also
taken in case of the established deviations and the finding is communicated to
the passenger.

 Redressal of grievances of prosthetic limb passengers:
Regulator and APS Headquarters have circulated a detailed SOP and protocol to
be adopted by ASG personnel in screening the passengers having special needs
which seeks to balance the requirements of security without compromising on
the dignity of people with disabilities .The SOP is being implemented at Airports
with desirable results.

 Right to Information Act (RTI) – 2005:
ASGs of CISF have developed an effective and prompt response system. Any RTI,
received from any person, organization, etc. is disposed of in time. If required,
report is sought from the ASG and a suitable reply is forwarded to the applicant.

27

VII. City side security

Counter Terrorist Contingency Plan (CTCP)

 A CISF ASG component exclusively earmarked for securing the city side and
associated preventive security gadgets /measures is an intrinsic component of
the Counter Terrorist Contingency Plan (CTCP) envisaged for the Airports.

 CISF ASG manpower for securing the city side as per the CTCP is sanctioned only
for Delhi (499) and Mumbai (518)
airports. At the remaining
airports, the responsibility of city
side security rests with the
respective Local police.

 As per the direction of
MHA/MoCA, a new CTCP
template has been prepared by a
Committee headed by SDG/APS
comprising members from MoCA,
BCAS and IB.

 MHA has approved the template
SOP and circulated to the MoCA to finalize the CTCP as per the revised SOP and
share with all the concerned agencies for implementation.

 As per the revised CTCP template,
CISF ASG manpower and the
requisite gadgets for 59 airports
have been jointly assessed and
finalized which is awaiting consent
of BCAS before the deployment on
city side of the airports.

 Similar assessment on CTCP
template is under process at the
Srinagar, Jammu & Leh airports
which were inducted on
26.02.2020, 06.03.2020 and
05.08.2020, respectively.

 CISF will be deployed for conducting comprehensive city side security checks at
all the airports and successfully managing the integration of city side security
measures with the overall airport security as soon as the manpower is sanctioned
and released by the Ministry.

28

The Differentiator

29

The ASG of CISF has been credited with a unblemished and an effective execution
of the aviation security regulations at the airports under its cover over the last two
decades. In the last 3 years alone (2018-20), unfazed by the volumes of
passengers, ASGs personnel enforcing travel document and Identity verification at
access control have successfully detected 374 cases of attempts to unauthorizedly
breach the regulated area involving fake, edited travel documents/tickets/ID cards.

Aviation Security Wing of CISF has assiduously focused attention on developing its
core competence in its primary anti-hijack function involving the pre-embarkation
screening of the passengers. Respective ASGs have made the concerted efforts to
continuously evolve and re-design its processes so as to raise the detection
capabilities of its screeners to identify and thwart potential threats on board the
aircraft. The alert and vigilant screeners have successfully detected and removed
704 cases of unauthorized ammunition /weapons and thereby thwarted possible
serious air incidents. 76 incidents of illegal contraband items (drugs) worth Rs .
76.16 crores, unaccounted cash worth Rs. 85.08 crores, 729.95 Kgs of Gold and
uncountable number of prohibited items like dangerous knife, scissors , lighters etc.
in possession of passengers have been detected by ASGs in the last 3 years .

The effective anti-sabotage checks and sweeping operations by ASGs have resulted
in detection of an unaccompanied and unclaimed property worth Rs. 157.29 crores
in the airport premises out of which, personal property worth Rs. 31.28 crores was
restored directly to its rightful owners and the remaining worth Rs. 126.01 crores
was handed over to Airport Operators for storage /retrieval or disposal as per SOP.

To effectively test the capabilities, fine tune intra as well as inter-agency
coordination & role clarity in the event of exigencies at Airports, CISF ASGs have
participated and gained tremendously from nearly 4846 Mock Exercises on multiple
scenarios during last 3 years. The reliable risk assessment tools and mitigation
strategies adopted by the ASGs have been universally acclaimed.

The balanced, transparent, fair, uniform and standardized application of the security
processes and procedures by the CISF ASGs have instilled trust & confidence and
inspired a high degree of compliance translating into healthy aviation security culture
amongst traveling passengers and airport stakeholders.

The overall aviation security architecture of Indian airports has been witnessing a
remarkable positive change and CISF ASGs have been widely credited for making
the difference....

Heralding a new era in the civil aviation security………………

30

31

Preparing ASGs for the future

Evolution is a continuous process. Therefore, in spite of an outstanding performance
during the preceding years, it is obviously necessary that the strengths and
weaknesses of a particular ASG and aviation security vertical of CISF are regularly
evaluated, keeping in mind the opportunity and threats and in tune with the
dynamics of aviation sector.

It is quite imperative for an ASG Unit to know the core organizational competencies
and functional advantages as well as disadvantages. Only such an analysis can help
us in ensuring proper response to ensure flawless security and better client
satisfaction.

Therefore, a SWOT Analysis in a futuristic projection of environment with insights
into the trends and drives into future aviations can prepare us to chalk out a
roadmap for different professional aspects.

Future Aviation Security - Trends and Drivers

1. Steady Growth in passenger traffic and aircraft movements

Total Passenger Traffic (Last 5 years)
(Table-5)

35 16.5% 11.66 -1.04% Total passenge r
30 18.3%
25
20
15
10
5
0

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
(22.39 Cr) (26.49 Cr) (30.87 Cr) (34.46 Cr) (34.10 Cr)

 Traffic increase - 11.71 Crore
 Percentage increase - 52.30 %(Source AAI website)

Total Aircraft Movements (Last 5 years)
(Table-6)

30 13.42% 12.09% -0.69%
14.15%

20

10 Total Aircraft

0
2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
(17.95 L) (20.49L) (23.24 L) (26.05 L) (25.87 L)

 Aircraft movements increase - 07.92 lakhs
 Percentage increase - 44.12% (Source AAI website)

32

The growth in total passenger traffic and the aircraft traffic movements in
India in the last two decades has been relentless and epoch making. The
figures of last 5 years (2015-2020) show similar robust growth trends (Table
5/6).

The figures of passengers traffic as well as aircraft movements show a
considerable decline over the period from April, 2020 to February, 2021 as
compared to the corresponding months in the previous year and can be
directly attributed to the complete lockdown on commercial air travel from 24
March 2020 due to COVID -19 pandemic .
Period Total pax Aircraft Movements

( In crore ) (In lakhs)

April 2019 - Feb 2020 32.35 crore 24.22 lakh

April 2020 - Feb 2021 9.84 crore 10.28 Lakh

The resumption of domestic flights since 25th May,2020 has been witnessing
a revival in air travel and the figures of air passenger and aircraft m ovements
are likely to swiftly reach the pre-COVID peak. The dampening of the traffic
following the COVID 19 lockdown is largely being regarded as a temporary
downslide and the air passenger and the aircraft movements are expected to
regain the growth trajectory very soon.

Aircraft movements and passenger volume are intricately linked to Aviation
security. More numbers of aircraft movements will translate into an increase
in volume, size and numbers of airport, which will transform into requirement
of more number of security personnel, required to protect the airports. The
burgeoning growth in passenger load at Airports places considerable
incremental burden on the security process as the “No Check, No Fly” aviation
security policy mandatorily requires every departing passenger to pass
through the screening point. Larger size of aircrafts having bigger passenger
loads per flight and closely bunched schedule of departure flights in very
short span of time to suit passenger preferred timings create an excessiv e
load at screening points.

Airports in India have also been witnessing a trend of steady growth in the
number of the first time travelers, unescorted travel by women, senior
citizens and passengers with special needs.
The aviation security processes and procedures, which have evolved in
response to the growing threat scenario, have become exceedingly complex
invoking multiple screening procedures and technologies. The complexities in
security functions are difficult to comprehend and navigate even by the
seasoned travelers but more so by the passengers with special needs elderly
and the first time travelers unexposed and unfamiliar with the airport
experience.
The impressive volumes of air passenger traffic and its changing composition
shall continue to have a strong influence on the shape of aviation security in
future as strong growth without commensurate handling arrangements shall
over burden and restrain aviation security architecture.

33

2. Trends in Passenger behaviour and satisfaction

Airports witness a discernible trend suggesting rising levels of awareness and
consciousness among airport users including passengers; and growing
expectation and demand for minimal waiting time in queues, quick processing
during security checks as well as convenient, comfortable and hassle free
movement through the security processes at the airports.

It is noteworthy that the swift processing time through the security functions
at access control and PESC points at Airport does not merely figure in the
passenger’s wish list but also forms a consistent and significant demand from
the airport operators and other stakeholders as well.

The growing demand of passengers for safety in the technology and
procedure adopted during screening process is another discernible trend. The
demand for private and unobtrusive procedures which are non invasive in
nature is frequently being raised by the passengers and airport users. The
concern for privacy extends to both the physical dimensions viz. the pat-down
security checks frequently resorted to at airport security as well as the digital
aspect including use and exchange of passenger data.

These trends in passengers expectation would need to be factored into while
selecting aviation security technologies and devising processes of the future.

3. Rising cost on aviation security

The growing cost on airport security including the capital expenditure on
security equipment and the recurring cost on manpower required to perform
these security functions has been a restraining concern to the Airport
operators. Various considerations involving sufficient traffic, revenue
generation, finances and the cost involved shall continue to influence
decisions while assessing available options and choice of aviation security
technologies, processes and procedures in future.

4. Robust regulatory framework and stakeholders’ participation

The civil aviation security in India has so far been greatly impacted by the
conscientious, forward looking, progressive policies of its appropriate
authority (BCAS) and MoCA to earnestly implement the SARPs of Annex 17.
The regulatory agencies have provided adequate legislations and updated
them to meet the contemporary requirements. The regulator has been
credited with timely review of the security processes and updating the
technologies to address the prevailing and emerging threats. The future
direction of aviation security would be significantly guided and driven by the
display of similar intensity and success in anticipating and outmatching
challenges and threats on the part of the regulator and other stakeholder.

34

In addition to identifying and factoring in the trends & drivers, the preparation
of the CISF Aviation Security Roadmap hinges on the assessment and analysis
of the potential and the capabilities acquired by the CISF ASGs to handle the
prevailing as well as the emerging threats while identifying the key strategic
objectives for the future course of plan of ASG.
In order to analyze the attained capabilities and identify the pointers and
directions to the Road Map, the Working Group was tasked to prepare the
Roadmap, to conduct a SWOT analysis of the operational performance of
the CISF Aviation Security Groups to uncover structural shortcomings,
weaknesses and threats facing Aviation security, identifying the key
capabilities of the ASGs along with the opportunities could potentially be
tapped into and exploited to devise a robust airport security framework for
future challenges.

In addition to the trends and drivers enlisted in the previous section, the
Working Group also analyzed and evaluated the following set of operational
parameters related to the adequacy, preparedness of aviation security manpower
and the effectiveness and the efficiency of the processes to handle the current
and the anticipated challenges while making the SWOT assessment:

35

ASG Manpower requirements vis-à-vis air traffic growth and
additional facility

 Demand for manpower augmentation
 Pending proposals of Induction
 Expenditure for security and operating the security system-
 Increase in Cost of deployment trends
Risk and vulnerability assessment of ASGs
 Risk assessment of airports including threats posed by new and

emerging modus operandi, capability to handle conventional and new
emerging threats
 Airports preparedness to handle intrinsic threats-airport specific
including insider threats, local threats
 Extrinsic threats- vulnerabilities from smaller airports
Aviation security regulations and compliance
 Adequacy of Aviation security legislations
 Circulars, Orders (NCASP, NCASTP, NCASQCP) to implement Annex-17
 Inspection and Audit – compliance
 Local adequacy of SOPs
AVSEC training requirement and facilities
 Status of training requirements and needs
 AVSEC Training needs and status of existing training – both
mandatory, additional, special airport specific
 Success rate in AVSEC courses
 Status of existing ASTIs and shortcomings
Anti-hijacking and protection functions
 Screening procedures and infrastructure
 Level of detection of Security Removed items
 Efficiency in detection and competency status of screeners
 Processing time and passenger wait time in access control & screening.
 Adequacy and effectiveness of Existing Practices and procedures in
non PESC areas of Airport

36

Airport technologies/ equipment
 Status of application of State of art technology at Airports
 Quickly evolving technology development
 Increase of interacting capabilities through technology
 Status of existing equipment: Sufficient, Adequacy, usefulness in
achieving desired processing speeds, up-gradation, consolidation and
maintenance

Contingency handling capabilities

 Availability of vetted Contingency plans
 Deployment of contingency response QRT
 Assessment of level of preparedness, efficacy of contingency plan
 Implementation of lessons learnt through mock drills
 Infrastructural gaps: BR Vehicle, Protective equipment
 Availability of exclusive, dedicated BDD Squads, Dog squads
Communication protocols
 Radio communication: Availability and quality of equipment
 Standardization of radio jargon / phrases and implementation.
 Education on local languages
Human resource Management

 Availability of Manpower gap vis-à-vis requirement (surveyed and
sanctioned strength)

 Status of special airport specific skills
 Soft skills and behaviour detection, availability of screeners, dog

handlers, BDDS and QRT trained personnel
 Motivational & Recreational
 Gender equality and sensitization
Training infrastructure and capacity building
 Consolidation of AVSEC and tactical training modules
 Status of qualified instructors
 Status of training infrastructure with emphasis an CBT (Computer

Based Simulated training)

37

STRENGTHS • Standardization & Uniformity
• Dissemination of information
• Role clarity and SOPs
• Pool of dedicated & motivated workforce
• Highly capable, cohesive & empowered workforce
• Self sufficient monitoring and evolving system
• Well rehearsed emergency response
• Security with humane touch

WEAKNESSES • Vulnerable air security chain
• Cargo security, City side security, Perimeter security
• Multiplicity of security agencies
• Infrastructural constraints impacting processing time
• Manpower intensive security processes
• Low on technology and time consuming processes and procedures

• Accessibility of air travel to the common man

• Technical innovation and upgradation
• Easier reengineering of processes
OPPORTUNITIES • Unification of command at Indian Airports
• Sensitive and conscious operator and regulator

• Robust coordination and collaboration among stakeholders

THREATS • Existing threats to aviation: Dynamic & evolving
• Threats from non-metallic, ceramic, plastic, liquid explosive
• New & emerging threats to aviation security
• Drone/UAV/UAS, Insider threat, CBRN
• Ground to ground, Ground to air, MANPAD
• Microwave weapon, Suicide bomber, lone wolf, shoe explosive
• Cyber threats

38

Strengths

 The uniform and standard implementation of regulations has led to adoption of
the mandated baseline aviation security measures uniformly over the major
Airports secured by CISF ASG which effectively reduces emergence of
exploitable gaps.

 Quick exchange and communication of actionable information, intelligence, threat
inputs and its enforcement due to single agency cover over the airports.

 Role clarity at all levels achieved through documented, frequently rehearsed,
updated SOPs and standing orders created by collaborative and coordinated
exercises with the related stakeholders.

 Exceptional pool of dedicated & motivated ASG workforce, multi skilled through
focused and continuous training imparted by CISF’s own dedicated AvSec
Training Institutes certified by BCAS, highly experienced AvSec trainers of CISF.

 Decentralized decision making at field Units to enable swift response to incidents
and mitigation of contingencies.

 Confidence inspiring response plans involving all stakeholders on airport specific
contingencies, rehearsed and tested for its efficacy through frequent mock
exercise and drills.

 Dedicated and swift response, backup and reinforcement mechanism for the
Airport Security functions inbuilt and functional through a 24X7 Striking Reserve
Pool permanently accommodated at ASG’s barracks.

 A humane approach to accommodate special needs and requirements of
passengers at PESC points unfazed by the daunting challenges and constraints.

39

Weaknesses

 Vulnerability in air security chain – Every
checkpoint at airport serves as an entry point into
the aviation system. Perpetrators intending to
commit acts of unlawful interference are more
likely to target lesser secured airports to exploit
its vulnerabilities. As flights connect airports with
each other, security arrangements and
procedures at airports under ASG CISF cover
are also rendered vulnerable on account of any
non conformity and shortcomings in non- CISF ASG cover airports. The problem
is further compounded by the growing popularity of non scheduled, general
aviation sector operating with small fix winged and rotary aircrafts operating
from and to uncontrolled airfields.

 Cargo operations is an integral part of several ASG airports and has been
showing a robust growth. The security of Cargo Complexes and operations has a
direct bearing on aviation security at those airports. The security measures at
Cargo Complex have, however, been
largely sub-optimal owing to
unhindered, unregulated access to
Complex, poor CCTV surveillance,
multiplicity of security agencies and
mandates. In addition to the
weakness in physical security similar
to those exploited in Karachi airport
(June 2014)in cargo complex, the
cargo operation itself is a likely target.
Large all-cargo aircraft could be used as possible projectiles with equally
devastating effect to attack ground based targets in the 9/11 style or can be
used to transport weapons, explosives, WMD across airports and also to
sabotage passenger aircrafts when loaded as cargo consignments.

 City side of most ASG airports
are inadequately manned and
is sub-optimally secured
leaving serious exploitable
gaps. Suicide groups of
terrorists have found it easier
to target city side of airport.
Incidents on city side have
serious debilitating effect on
the civil aviation and are
equally disruptive. The recent
attacks at Brussels and Istanbul airports are pointers to exploiting this serious
vulnerability.

40

 The counter measures for securing against likely risk to aviation security and
safety arising from items carried in hand bag require a thorough examination
of several routine but commonly carried items including laptops , electronic
item, mobile phones, chargers, Liquids, Aerosol, Gel (LAG) (items) etc. The
currently deployed X-Ray based imaging machines for baggage scanning and
their roller systems have limitation of technology requiring compulsory
divestment of laptop, dense metallic/electrical items, LAGs into multiple trays etc.
before these are screened. The compulsory divestment of all contents of the bag
leads to inconvenience to the passengers and overloads the X-Ray screening
machine. Manual relay of trays from output to input side after divestible items
are retrieved by passengers, creates demand -supply mismatch of trays on the
input side delaying the processing time at PESC points.

 The metal detectors both DFMD and HHMDs relied upon at PESC point to
screen passengers does not address the concerns thrown by equally serious
threats from non-metallic objects like ceramic knives, plastic explosives,3 D
printed sharp objects etc. This obvious omission on the part of screening
equipment compels the screener to conduct more frequent pat down screening
sparking allegations of invasiveness and infringement of privacy.

 Lack of gadgets and infrastructural space at several Airports to accommodate
multiple screening facilities commensurate to peak passenger load seriously
affects the processing time and causes congestion at PESC point.

 The current aviation security scheme is often criticized for an inadequate
exposure to the global benchmarks, best practices and procedures on screening
techniques, utilization of canines, sampling techniques for explosives detection,
crisis response, restoration plans and several other fields of airport security.

 The processes involving travel
documentation verification and identity
reconciliation currently adopted at the
Terminal access points, PESC points as also
CCTV monitoring and surveillance are
manual with little or limited automation or
technology intervention. The existing
process involves higher processing and wait

time whereas the inability to match with
the updated real time travel data makes the
entire process less reliable and error prone
than the automated /digital alternatives.

 ASGs are well equipped with lethal weaponry but possess limited options to
tackle the threats of lesser severity. ASGs are constrained by the non-availability
of temporarily incapacitating / restraining devices to mitigate violence/threat by
unruly crowd/mob /passengers.

41

 The security of operational area of airports faces severe challenge from the sheer
size and the vast expanse of the operational area of the airports necessitating a
scheme to secure and control a very sizable length of the perimeter. The existing
system of securing the operational area employs a traditional observation /watch
tower, patrolling based perimeter security apparatus. The traditional scheme to
secure the perimeter 24x7 in all weather conditions is physically challenging,
costly and prone to human error as it solely manpower driven.

42

Opportunities

 Various schemes of budget airlines and policies of Central
Government have made the air travel affordable and accessible to
the common man. The addition of destinations to the aviation
circuit, the spurt in new air passenger and the steady growth
witnessed in last two decades and an optimistic outlook for the
future would warrant a significant augmentation in the airport
security infrastructure as well as the skilled manpower to meet
security requirements.

 Aviation security industry has flourished manifolds
in last decade with the availability of state of art
modern gadgetry and innovative features. There is a
rapid development and application in the field of
aviation security equipment including XBIS,
ATRS, Metal Detector, Explosive detection,
CCTV systems, gadgetry, artificial intelligence, cyber etc.

 Technology is evolving at a very high speed, making more effective and efficient
systems and processes available long before the old ones become obsolete. Even
if the technology of the near future is not known yet, it would be wise to take
them into account by designing security systems and processes that are flexible.
The reengineering of processes like adjusting or replacing part of the security
system with newer technologies has yielded good results and benefitted the
travelling passengers.

 Growing realization of benefits of placing security of Indian airports under a
Unified Command has been stated a policy of the Government. The unification of
command is expected to offset the shortcomings of multiplicities of agencies and
focuses on building the expertise and professionalism to swiftly and effectively
respond to possible acts of unlawful interference. In USA, Transportation Security
Administration is having a unified command oversee security protocols at all the
airports of the country. This will ensure overall coordination amongst
stakeholders, uniform training standards and qualitative assessment/oversight of
security functions.

 Highly capable ASG workforce which is conversant and compliant with technology
and quickly adaptable to advancement in technology. Similarly pass engers/staff
and all airports users are also more conversant, and tech compliant than ever
before creating a favorable environment for application of automated, digital and
technological solutions.

43

 The pro-activeness and sensitivity of Airport Operator and Regulator towards civil
aviation security needs have yielded new infrastructure and technology-improving
security effectiveness, operational efficiency, passenger experience and
workforce capabilities. The resolute support, cooperative and coordinated rapport
amongst stakeholders have given hassle free, safe and secure Indian skies to the
air travelers.

 Government of India initiatives including "Make in India" have encouraged and
propelled indigenous manufacturing and innovation in the field of aviation
security with a considerable price advantage augmenting options to the
stakeholders.

44

Threats

 Aviation makes up a substantial part of the transportation industry at the global
level. Its size, impact, integration and use by countries all over the world make it
vulnerable to attacks. Since airports are critical infrastructure entailing intense
human, commercial and economic activity; they remain and shall continue to
remain, the preferred targets for criminal and terrorist groups, attracted by the
promisingly high news value and devastating disruptive crippling impact
registered by such an attack on aviation sector.

 The adversaries to aviation security have the liberty to choose their method,
technique and timings. Aviation security is primarily based on the preventive
phase and application of conventional gadget/equipment which is inflexible to
newer emerging threats like non-metallic, ceramic, plastic, liquid explosive etc.

 Attacks with CBRN agents at Airports are regarded a low
probability but potentially a huge impact threat. CBRN agents
like sarin, ricin, plague, anthrax, mustard gas in small
quantities can have a devastating effect on life and
potentially bigger societal impact in the long run. CBRN
agents and their dispersal devices are difficult to obtain
but if managed by rogue elements are difficult to be
detected as they are silent and remain unnoticed until
the agent is released and the damage is overtly visible.

 The likely use of unmanned, remotely operated guided or autonomously
computer controlled or computer guided Drone/ swarm of drones for launching
kinetic attacks on civilian aircrafts and other targets has emerged as a serious
threat. A deliberately constructed or modified UAS can carry and employ weapon
and explosives with a devastating effect. Armaments that can be added to UAS
platform can vary widely from incendiary or explosive devices to carefully
engineered projectile system as also vehicle for transporting weapons of mass
destruction. The possible use of UAS to smuggle weapons, explosives, illegal
contraband to bypass physical security barriers such as fences, perimeter wall
and detection measures has emerged as a serious challenge to current security
schemes having a grave implication on anti hijack measures, aircraft, passengers
and VIP protection at Airports.

 The threat from insiders arising from an individual with as authorized access to
sensitive areas and/or information and, familiar with the vulnerabilities and
shortcomings of the airport/system, is a massive challenge arising from
thousands of staff/workforce working in areas close to the aircraft and other vital
resources at an Airport. Insiders manage to use clandestine covert action while
capitalizing on employee’s access to get around the physical and virtual access
control and can bypass security features as they have an authorised access. The
possibility of such persons willingly or unknowingly allowing others to misuse
their close proximity and access to compromise security, facilitate criminal
activity, terrorism is a serious concern to airport security globally.

 Ground to Ground threats can be applied from just outside the airport perimeter,
damaging infrastructure on ground (e.g. runway, ATC tower, airport building,
hangar, fuel supply, etc.) within the airport perimeter.

45

 Ground to air threats are MANPADS and laser dazzling which may be executed by
standing just outside the airport, aiming at an aircraft. The use of this type of
device against an aircraft during landing and take-off may lead to any untoward
incident.

 Microwave weapons are another emerging threat which are supposed to be a
type of direct energy weapons. It aims highly focused energy in the form of
sonic, laser or microwaves, at a target. It can be used to target human and
electronic systems like navigational services, communication etc.

 Incidents involving suicide bombing at Glasgow (2007), Domodedevo (2011),
Brussels & Istanbul (2016) airports reflect that the suicide bombing has also
become the method of choice for many terrorist groups around the world. It is
low cost, simpler to plan and relatively free of risk to the terrorist group. The
bomber has the flexibility to determine time and location maintaining the element
of surprise.

 ‘Lone wolf attack’ is a new and emerging type of terrorist attack in which the
terrorists prepare and commit violent acts alone without any material assistance
from any group. They may be influenced or motivated by the ideology and beliefs
of an external group and may act in support of such a group.

 Shoe bombs are a serious challenge for aviation security ever since it came to
notice in Richard Reid case ( Dec 2001 ) but the Airports have largely been
unable to identify a robust, fool proof screening counter measure against this
kind of threat.

 Civil aviation industry relies heavily on cyber enabled technology to raise safety
and efficiency of air transport. The aviation industry uses wide computer based
inter-connected system spanning air navigation systems, on board aircraft control
and communication systems, airport ground system, flight information systems,
security screening and aviation related operations. The tendency of the aviation
to become increasingly digitalized and automated and the inter connectivity of
systems has introduced an unconventional threat. However, inter-connectivity of
systems and the dependency on technology has created ground for new risks
ranging from stealing of confidential data, critical sensitive information to cyber
attacks aimed at managing or erasing such information; controlling or destroying
systems or services that could even result in hijacking the aircraft by seizing
control of aircraft.
This document is an effort to identify the future direction of the ASG. The Vision
of the Roadmap shall be :

46

To prepare Aviation Security Group, CISF for
existing and future challenges maintaining a fine
balance between passenger facilitation with
courtesy & compassion and overall security
consideration of Airports encompassing Strategic,
Tactical and Operational perspectives based
on the International and National guidelines on
Aviation Security.

47

48

STRATEGIC VISION

Drawing upon the driver/trends which have impacted and shall continue to influence
the direction of aviation security as well as the key outcomes derived from the
SWOT analysis conducted to assess the risk -capabilities gap, the strategic vision of
the CISF ASG to discharge its mandate effectively and efficiently in future, the ASG’s
shall strive to:

- maintain, build on, and leverage the strengths,
- remedy or overcome the weaknesses,
- effectively address the existing and emerging threats pro-actively

harnessing and exploiting the opportunities identified in the process.

1. Covering security gaps by application of uniform security
procedures

To capitalize on the synergetic benefits accruing from uniform and standard
application of civil aviation security regulation by single security agency viz ASG Units
of CISF.
ASGs must orient themselves to reduce possibility of contamination, transmission
and export of vulnerabilities in air security chain from non CISF airports to ASG CISF
Airports. The aforesaid gap arising in the security of ASG CISF Airports must be
addressed through efforts aimed at the security cover of CISF to expand to such
Airports still not covered by the single agency, unified command benefits.

Proactively orienting action to seek and pursue for extending ASG security cover to
all the exiting operational airports and also to airports identified as RCS airports to
be operational in the years to come in the interest of maintaining a uniform baseline
security across all airports as they are inherently connected and impact each other
from security considerations.
With a view to cover exploitable gaps from arising in the security of existing ASGs
airports, the CISF/ASG shall:

1.1 Proactively seek to expand its security cover to those operational airports
not currently secured by ASG CISF in the interest of maintaining a uniform
baseline security across all airports since non CISF airports connect to and
potentially impact Airports under its watch.

1.2 Pursue to expand its security cover to the small airports identified to be
operated and covered under the Regional Connectivity Scheme with a
realistic and cost effective manpower deployment scheme which is in sync
with and factors in the low passenger volume but likely to generate
revenue commensurate to its threat perception.

49