Bengaluru Airport Introduces Advanced Security Measures At Terminal 2

Passengers at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Terminal 2 (T2) will soon experience a hassle-free security screening process as Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL) initiates a trial run for the Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machine. The trial, set to commence in the coming weeks, will eliminate the need for passengers to remove personal electronic devices from handbags during pre-embarkation security checks.

As per media reports. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer of BIAL, has been quoted saying, "KIA will be the first airport in India to begin passenger trials for the CTX machine, which will be integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners." The new system, initially implemented for domestic passengers, is anticipated to be fully operational in December 2023.

The CTX machine, part of a Proof of Concept (POC) trial, aims to enhance security outcomes with its ability to provide superior 3D image quality. The system's advanced screening of carry-on baggage using CT and automatic explosives detection algorithms will enable a more efficient screening process. Additionally, the CTX machine can better identify the density of liquids, contributing to a more comprehensive security protocol.

To complement the CTX machine, three full-body scanners have been installed at T2 to ensure a faster and more secure flying experience. This technological upgrade enables operators to rotate views, reducing the need for re-checks and physical inspections. It also marks a departure from the current practice of passengers undergoing pat-downs after a primary screening through walk-through metal detectors.

Raghunath has highlighted the multiple advantages of the new system, including passenger convenience, enhanced security screening, ease of threat identification, smoother transit, and faster security checks. The integration of CTX with ATRS lanes is currently underway, with passenger trials set to begin soon.

T2, often referred to as a 'terminal in a garden,' was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022, with a construction cost of approximately Rs 5,000 crore. While T1 caters to domestic flights, T2 is dedicated exclusively to international carriers, along with select domestic flights.