Government mulls unified airport security akin to Transportation Security Administration in U.S.

Source: The post is based on the article “Government mulls unified airport security akin to Transportation Security Administration in U.S.” published in The Hindu on 29th April 2023

What is the News?

The Government of India is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country — along the lines of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. 

What is the Transportation Security Administration(TSA)?

TSA was formed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack in the U.S.

It oversees security for all modes of transportation, such as air travel, passenger rail and intercity bus travel.

Why is there a need for a unified security force for all airports in India?

Currently, the control of the airport security system in India is fragmented. For example, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security which is the security watchdog for civil aviation, falls under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 

The Central Industrial Security Force which guards the airports, falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Bureau of Immigration, which is responsible for immigration checks at airports, sea ports and land borders works under the Intelligence Bureau of the Union Home Ministry.

The Customs Department falls under the Finance Ministry.

Due to this, the coordination between multiple agencies becomes difficult.

Hence, that’s why the government is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country. 

What is the significance of this proposal of a unified security force for all airports in India?

This proposal comes at a time when India is pegged to be the third-largest aviation market in the world by 2024 and is already the third-largest domestic aviation market after the U.S. and China.

India is also the world’s fastest-growing market at 9%, though it accounts for only 2% of the global passenger traffic — a statistic which is often cited to demonstrate the potential for further expansion in the country. 

The total number of airports in the country is also targeted to grow from the current 148 to 220 by 2025, and airlines have more than 1,000 aircraft on order.