New security measures introduced at Nedumbassery Airport

Kochi, Aug 11 (UNI) Acting on a high alert from the Centre, several new security measures have been introduced at the Nedumbassery International Airport, near here, to prevent any terror attacks, security officials said.

''The security at the airport has been stepped up in view of the specific intelligence inputs about threats to vital installations in the country,'' the officials said.

The new measures include deployment of plain clothed ''terminal marshals'', who are CISF sharpshooters armed with sophisticated weapons. The presence of surveillance teams in mufti had also been stepped up.

Zigzag barriers had been set up and random checking of vehicles was under-way. The ban on entry of visitors had been extended till August 20, the officials said.

Patrolling by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel has been stepped up while sniffer dogs and bomb squads are on alert.

A close watch is being kept on all movements in the airport area through closed circuit televisions (CCTVs). Baggage and cargo screening have also been tightened.

However, there is no ban on taking of hand baggage into the aircraft, although only one piece is being allowed. But, passengers will not be allowed to carry glass items or goods such as pickles in the hand baggage, airport officials said.

Some airlines had introduced step ladder check-up for passengers boarding the aircraft, they added.

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