6 airports to do away with stamping of baggage

The Union govt initiated a trial run for non-stamping of passengers' baggage tag

New Delhi, Dec 15: The union government on Thursday initiated a trial run for 'non-stamping' of passengers' baggage tag at the time of boarding the aircraft at six airports.

According to Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju the trial run at six major airports will facilitate hassle-free movement of passengers with hand baggage.

"This is a very progressive step and will facilitate hassle-free movement of the passengers. This will also bring down the traversal time at the airports," the minister was quoted as saying in a statement.

He elaborated that at the same time, security concerns will continue to get the highest priority to ensure Indian skies are kept safe and vibrant.

The week-long trial run for all domestic passengers was initiated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) at six airports namely Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

"Based on the advice of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, BCAS had initiated a pilot project in collaboration with Hyderabad International Airport Limited and CISF for non-stamping of baggage tag in one of the lanes at Hyderabad airport," the statement disclosed.

"After the successful completion of the effort, BCAS has advised to do away with the stamping of hand baggage's tag for implementing the best practice adopted internationally for hassle free movement of passengers."

The statement pointed out that up on the success of the trial run, the same practice will be extended to other airports.

"To strengthen the security screening of baggage, high-resolution CCTV cameras and other appropriate technologies have been adopted by the airport operators as advised by the BCAS," the statement added.

IANS