Airport operator, GVK, has called for an expression of interest for the supply of body scanners for installation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. These scanners will replace the existing door frame metal detectors and hand-held scanners, besides pat-down searches of the passengers to detect metallic objects.
“Use of body scanners will save time. Passengers will simply have to step inside the scanner for a few seconds after removing thick clothing, belts, jackets and shoes, which will be scanned by the existing X-ray machines,” a Mumbai International Airport Ltd spokesperson said.
The Central Industrial Security Force, which handles security at all major airports, will operate the body scanners, which will be purchased at a cost of ₹1 crore each. Each scanner is expected to scan 300 passengers per hour.
The body scanner detects objects being carried by a traveller without the need for physical contact such as frisking. “Such scanners are used at airports abroad. After much deliberation, India decided to replace superior door frame metal detectors and physical frisking with scanners at sensitive airports by March,” a CISF official said.
On April 24, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued a circular announcing its decision to install scanners that will identify non-metallic as well as any concealed metallic weapons and explosives.
Officials of the BCAS, who have studied the working of body scanners, said as passengers pass through, each scanner will capture images from all angles.
“These scanners will be able to identify standard and home-made explosives, improvised explosive devices and liquids, gels, or any other items hidden under clothes and over the skin,” an official said.