High-End Security System in Place at Cial
NEDUMBASSERY : CIAL managing director V J Kurian inaugurated the high-end robotic security and safety system with a bomb detection and disposal squad on the premises of the CIAL MRO hangar on Sunday.
The security system worth `12 crore would ensure that Nedumbassery becomes the first facility in South Asia to implement such a high-end security system.
Among the series of safety robots developed by Pedsco Ltd, (RMI)-9WT is one of the front runners which is used in the West by the Police, Fire Departments, military and nuclear institutions for the remote handling of explosive devices, hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, hostage and highjacking instances. A six-wheeled vehicle, the RMI series robots are known for their dependability, simplicity, ease of operation and their ability to climb up steps with the help of removable tracks. The robots also possess several other capabilities such as fixed arm extenders which can be configured for several functions such as car searches and second storey access. Inbuilt cameras and X-Ray units for tracing the explosives, power drillers, claw tools and gun cameras with aiming lasers and other assorted mechanisms are also attached to the robot.
Apart from the robots, integrated threat containment vessels (TCV), in small and large sizes, for handling the suspected luggage and capable of containing heavy blasts are also in use. The large TCV is capable of containing heavy blasts and is reusable. If the suspected luggage is below a certain weight, the smaller TCV would be deployed.
Bomb inhibitors, Real Time X-Ray viewing system, Deep Search Metal Detector and Non-Linear Junction Detectors also found their way into the security system.
“The implementation of the safety system is a part of increasing the safety for all passengers at CIAL,” says CIAL MD VJ Kurian. “We are the third airport in India to implement such stringent safety measures. These robots can approach and neutralize the threat very fast. For the same purpose, we have provided intense training to security personnel. In almost all cases, the big TCV will be used to dispose of the threat once it has been identified,” he says.
Security Advisor to CIAL, P Gourishankar, performed the scrutiny and implementation of the safety systems. Airport director ACK Nair, CISF senior commandant Sisir Kumar Gupta and other senior officials were present at the inaugural function.
A trial run for the working of the bomb disposal robots was also conducted in the hangar.