Biometric security check may soon be reality at airports

Fliers may soon be able to use biometric details for security checks at airports as the government works on putting in place such systems after receiving 'good feedback' for a pilot project.

Giving strong indications, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that having biometric systems for passengers at airports appear to be a good idea.

The innovative idea, close on the heels of authorities doing away with tagging requirement of hand baggages at select airports, comes at a time when efforts are being made to ensure that aviation security procedures are more efficient and less intrusive.

TRENDING NOW

World Tourism Day 2023: 5 places to visit in India for best light and sound experience

REC shares hit all-time of Rs 285.80 on the BSE; here is why

EPFO: New employee? Know how to link your mobile number with your EPF UAN?

Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2023: Apple iPhone 14 available at just Rs 34,399, know about offer

LOTTE India takes up capacity expansion at Tamil Nadu plant; to add 200 new jobs

Tax evasion: I-T raids at more than 10 corporate companies in Bengaluru

Bright Money raises USD 62 million in equity, debt funding

India vs Australia 3rd ODI Free Live Streaming: When and How to watch IND VS AUS match live on Web, tv, mobile apps online

CESC board okays issue of 30,000 NCDs to raise Rs 300 crore

Signature Global shares list at premium of around 16% per cent over issue price

Gift Nifty sets record single day turnover of USD 15.25 billion

Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2023: Check heavy discounts on Xiaomi, Samsung, Motorola, Vivo and more phones

Dell launches world’s first 23.8-inch touch monitor with ethernet connectivity

Vedanta hits 52-week low after Moody's downgrades Vedanta Resources' CFR to Caa2

Bank holidays in October 2023: Banks to remain closed for 16 days; check out the complete list

"Biometric access was experimented at Hyderabad (airport). The feedback was good... Biometric system is appearing to be a good system security-wise," Raju told PTI in an interview.

Without much fanfare, authorities have carried out a short duration pilot project using biometric system at Hyderabad international airport recently. The exact details on how it is used could not be immediately ascertained.

When asked whether the project for biometric systems would be rolled out at various airports, Raju said a framework has been put up for the authorities concerned.

"Modernisation is a continuous process and they will keep at it. I am not at BCAS or DGCA... We have to give them the policy frame (work). That is what we have done and we are working," the Minister said.

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is responsible for security of the sector while Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the sectoral regulator.

Asserting that "safety and security" of the aviation sector can never be compromised, the Minister said efforts on the cyber security front is a continuous process and keeps evolving.

"(With regard to) cyber security, what was acceptable a decade ago is not acceptable a decade later," he noted.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has awarded a contract worth over Rs 110 crore to public sector undertaking BECIL for providing biometric access control system at 43 aerodromes.

This contract basically pertains to access for employees through biometric systems.