In view of enhanced safety measures, the government directs CISF to inspect goods, online luggage

When passengers arrived at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel guarded. File | Image source: PTI

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said on May 10, 2025 (CISF) that it has expanded additional security insurance to temporarily monitor cargo operations and online possession of baggage screening systems at the country’s 69 civil airports and under its counter-terrorism protection.

A spokesman for the paramilitary force said the move began after the May 9 directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Agency (BCAS) to “temporarily” extend CISF cover to these processes in the “direct response” to the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, as well as subsequent security phenomena in the country.

The new arrangement will last until May 18, a spokesperson said.

CISF is usually only entrusted to Frisk passengers and their cabin luggage. Cargo and Online Hold Baggage Screening System (ILHBSS) inspections are conducted by private security personnel involved in airlines and airport operators.

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“Strengthening the CISF’s mandate is crucial to strengthening the safety arrangements at all civil airports,” the spokesman said. He added that the CISF responded immediately and resumed “oversight” of cargo and luggage operations.

He said CISF will also “oversee” security personnel at operations and airport operators.

The directives also authorized CISF personnel to conduct random inspections and monitor access controls to these “critical” facilities (airports).

He said all airports covered by CISF have “have implemented” new reinforcement systems.

Officials explained that prior to this directive, the deployment of CISF as a major aviation security force did not explicitly extend to cargo operations and direct safety and screening of ILHBSS.

He said the decision aims to introduce crucial secondary safety checks to enhance aviation safety.