The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recently did away with the requirement for air travelers to get their hand baggage stamped at seven major airports.

The Director General of CISF OP Singh said the force, which provides security to a majority of Indian airports, aims to introduce the new practice at all airports by the end of this year.

"We are trying to make airport innovative and technology driven. We intend to give passengers a hassle-free journey so it (no hand baggage stamping) has been started in seven airports has after series of trial run," Singh said.

The CISF DG added, "Hopefully, (the stamping of hand baggage will be done away with at) all airports...by year end. Presently stamping has been done away with to give passengers a smooth flying experience. Augmentation of airports in terms of both technology and manpower will be done."

Recently, the Airports Council International awarded good ratings to several airports in India based on passenger amenities and security. Some airports, in fact, were rated even better than those in the US and UAE.

In other comments, Singh said that the Jabalpur and Jamnagar airports will soon be given CISF security and that the force is working on a white paper to upgrade and integrate the entire security apparatus across the country.

Singh acknowledged that the perimeter intrusion system at airports needs to be stronger. Perimeter walls at several airports are old, Singh said, adding that extra manning is also required.

The biggest challenge, Singh said, is tackling grey areas that do not come under the coverage of CCTV cameras.

Singh took over CISF just last year after a successful stint in the National Disaster Relief Force, he made several modifications and was also at the helm of rescue operations during the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

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