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NEW DELHI: Indian airports have been offered the 3D technology-based scanners being tested at international hubs like New York JFK and London Heathrow that do not require passengers to take laptops and bottles of liquid out of hand bags for security check.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to do a pilot project after getting clearance from aviation security regulator. Once approved, Indian airports — both AAI-run and private metro ones — will be allowed to use 3D-based computed tomography scanners (CT). The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said:“...CT technology provides enhanced detection of threat items… the machines create such a clear picture of a bag’s contents that computers can automatically detect explosives, including liquids.

The goal is to keep laptops and… liquids inside handbags during checkpoint screening.” AAI says it has been approached by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of this system for testing the same at airports here. “The proposal is being taken up with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS),” an AAI official said.

He added: “AAI envisages installation of CT Check point X-Ray baggage scanner as a pilot project at one of the AAI Airports. Based on the pilot studies BCAS will come out with the technical specification and other modalities of operation of CT Check Point Scanner, at various Indian Airports.” Once approved, the machine could be installed by Indian airports too.

TSA began testing CT technology last June. It plans to have several units within the next few months at American airports, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, John F Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Washington-Dulles International Airport.

