Overview
Starting in December, Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, Bengaluru, is set to kick off passenger trials for CTX machines paired with an Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners. While other airports, such as Delhi’s IGIA, have tested CTX machines before, Bengaluru is taking the lead by combining CTX machines with ATRS and full-body scanners.
Hassle-Free Security Screening using CTX
Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport is the epicentre for all international arrivals and departures, in addition to hosting operations for a select few domestic airlines. Passengers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Terminal 2 (T2) are in for a hassle-free security screening experience.
In a forthcoming trial, the airport will introduce CTX (Computer Tomography X-ray) machines that eliminate passengers’ requirement to remove personal electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, from their handbags during pre-embarkation security checks.
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of KIA, announced that the trial run is set to begin in the next few weeks. This convenience will be initially extended to domestic passengers, with total operating implementation expected by December 2023.
This move marks a significant step in streamlining the security process for travellers at Bengaluru’s KIA Terminal 2, providing a more efficient and seamless journey. Soon, passengers can expect to breeze through security without the inconvenience of unpacking their gadgets for screening.
According to BIAL officials, three full-body scanners have been installed at T2 to enhance the speed and security of the flying experience.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, informed that the trial run for the CTX machine at T2 would commence within the next few weeks. He mentioned that KIA would be the first airport in India to initiate passenger trials for the CTX machine, which is set to be integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners.
According to Raghunath, operators have the flexibility to rotate the view for a comprehensive examination of bag contents, reducing re-checks and physical inspections. The innovative system minimises the number of trays needed per person during security screening.
In his words, “Passengers can now leave electronic items like laptops, liquids, aerosols, and gels in their bags, streamlining the screening process and expediting security checkpoints.
This accelerates the divesting process and reduces contact points, contributing to improved hygiene.” Additionally, this advancement eliminates the current practice of conducting pat-downs on passengers following the primary screening through the walk-through metal detector.
Raghunath shared that the CTX Proof of Concept (POC) is currently undergoing trials at T2. The installation and integration with Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) lanes are in progress, with passenger trials slated to commence shortly.
He emphasised that advanced screening for carry-on baggage using CT and automatic explosives detection algorithms will enhance security outcomes thanks to superior 3D image quality. Furthermore, CT technology is better equipped to identify the density of liquids.
When is this going to be introduced in other airports?
As BIAL takes the lead in implementing this advanced security system, other Indian airports are also gearing up to upgrade their security infrastructure.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated that major airports handling 50 lakh passengers install 3D CTX machines for cabin checks by the year’s end. Notably, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports are in the trial phase, aiming to improve passenger convenience, transit efficiency, and the overall security screening process.
This enhanced security measure could soon become a standard across major Indian airports, ensuring travellers a more streamlined and secure experience.
In November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal at Bengaluru airport. The construction of the initial phase of Terminal 2 reportedly incurred an estimated cost of ₹13,000 crores, boasting a built-up area of approximately 2.5 lakh square meters. The upcoming second phase is set to add another 4.41 lakh square meters to the terminal’s footprint. The first phase was anticipated to accommodate 25 million passengers annually.
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