Now, CISF raises IGI terminal issue: T1D has added to workload, chaos

New Delhi: After proving to be a headcahe for airlines and triggering confusion among passengers, the new terminal, T1D, at the IGI Airport is raising hackles of security forces manning the airport.
The CISF, which is in charge of security at the airport, says its manpower has been stretched beyond limits since the new domestic terminal began operation on April 19. Against its mandate to secure three domestic terminals — T1C (arrival) and T1A, T1B (both departure) — CISF officials say they now have to manage T1D (departure) as well. The force also mans the international terminal, T2.
A senior CISF official says the workload has not reduced even with additional manpower. “Our men are working extra hours after the new terminal began operation,” the official says.
According to the official, the delay in shifting operation of domestic airlines to the new terminal is also adding to the trouble. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, had earlier announced that Jet Airways, JetLite and SpiceJet would shift operations from terminal T1B to T1D after April 26, in the second phase of relocation. The movement has not occurred yet.
DIAL spokesperson Arun Arora says, “The date for the second phase of shifting of operation for Jet Airways, JetLite and SpiceJet has not been decided yet.”
Senior CISF officers, though, want the airlines to move operations to the new terminal at the earliest — they argue this would give relief to the security personnel manning terminal T1B, slated to be phased out soon. “DIAL officials had told us that all airlines were to shift their operations from T1B by April-end, but we are still having to split manpower,” the CISF official says.
03/05/09 Geeta Gupta/Indian Express

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Categories: Airports May 2009