TBM Staff - Mumbai Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Terminal 2 (T2) is set to revolutionise security screening for air travellers by introducing a trial run of Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machines. The initiative, led by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), aims to eliminate the inconvenience of removing personal electronic devices from handbags during pre-embarkation security checks.
The CTX machine, expected to be fully operational by December 2023, integrates seamlessly with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners. This innovative system promises heightened security measures and operational efficiency, making KIA the first airport in India to implement passenger trials for the CTX machine.
The trial, initially focused on domestic passengers, is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The CTX machine, equipped with automatic explosives detection algorithms, delivers superior 3D image quality, minimizing the need for re-checks and physical inspections. This advanced screening process not only enhances security outcomes but also eliminates the current practice of patting down passengers after the primary screening through walk-through metal detectors.
Satyaki Raghunath, COO, BIAL, highlighted the strategic installation of three full-body scanners at T2 to ensure a faster and more secure flying experience.
The move at Bengaluru’s KIA reflects a broader trend in India, with other airports upgrading their security infrastructure. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated major airports handling 50 lakh passengers to install 3D CTX machines for cabin checks by the year-end. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports are actively conducting trials to enhance passenger convenience, transit efficiency, and security screening processes.
In summary, Bengaluru Airport’s initiative marks a pioneering effort to improve security screening procedures, with the broader aviation industry in India expected to follow suit in upgrading their security infrastructure.
