India plans to buy radiation detection equipment to enhance internal security

New Delhi: The government is looking to buy radiation detection equipment (RDE) to deter and detect illicit trafficking of radioactive materials across international borders. Border crossings, integrated check posts (ICPs) and land ports will be equipped with RDE to stop any smuggling of material needed for a nuclear device or radiological dispersal device, said officials.

The move will lead to a significant enhancement in India’s internal security abilities as border checks have so far focused on detecting counterfeit currency, drugs, arms and ammunition, and explosives, said a senior government official, who did not wish to be identified.

The government issued a request for interest (RFI) on August 21, a copy of which has been seen by ET, for seeking inputs on system requirements and technical information for procuring RDE. India has ICPs at Attari, Jogbani, Raxaul, Agartala, Petrapole and Moreh which see cross-border trade and movement of passengers.

The government has sought information from bidders on the experience from places the world over where RDE has been installed and is actually under use.