The security apparatus at the Tiruchi International Airport has strengthened with the installation of bullet-proof podiums at the terminal building.
The portable podiums have been put up for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel guarding the airport to effectively counter any armed attacks from outside.
Four bullet-proof podiums have been installed — with two fortified cabins placed at the entry points of the departure and arrival sides and the other two deployed inside the terminal building.
The nearly six-foot high podiums with bullet proof glass have been made thick metal through which bullets cannot pierce. Each podium can house one CISF armed personnel.
Every podium has been provided with three minor openings for the CISF armed personnel to position his weapon directed towards the “target” in kneeling position. The security personnel could give an effective counter by remaining behind the podium without getting hit by a bullet.
The podium will act as a strong shield for the CISF personnel in the eventuality of exchange of fire and enable them to keep firing at the designated “target” without getting hit, say airport sources.
In addition to acting as a shield, the podium would enable the armed security personnel to manoeuvre himself in the event of an armed attack, said a senior official. The podium could be dismantled and erected at another strategic point within the airport premises within no time.
Tiruchi international airport which has been categorised as “sensitive” is guarded round-the-clock by CISF personnel in shifts covering the terminal building, perimeter and operational areas besides the outer areas.
Tiruchi is unique among the non-metro airports across the country with more international flights being operated as compared to domestic operations.
The whole idea of installing the podiums is to further fortify security and be prepared to effectively counter armed attack and secure the airport building, the official said.
The CISF has a highly-trained Quick Reaction Team at the airport armed with sophisticated weapons to indulge in swift operations in case of an extreme emergency. The force maintains a dog squad at the airport trained in detecting explosive substances.
