CISF Takes Over Security Operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport: A Major Step Towards Commercial Launch

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has formally taken charge of security operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a significant milestone toward the commencement of commercial operations.

According to an official statement from NMIA, "Marking a key step towards operational readiness, the Central Industrial Security Force will provide comprehensive airport security, from access control and perimeter safety to surveillance and contingency response."

The initial deployment will consist of 900 CISF personnel, with plans to expand to 1,800 as the airport scales its operations.

In a social media announcement on platform X, NMIA stated, "Together, NMIAL and CISF reaffirm their commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and world-class airport environment."

Following the induction ceremony, CISF Director-General Praveer Ranjan addressed the media, highlighting the significance of NMIA becoming the 71st airport under CISF protection.

"We are being inducted into our 71st airport. The last airport was at Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh. This is a very important development as it is going to be one of the biggest international airports in times to come with almost 40 million passengers annually. This will have domestic, international and cargo operations and from that point of view it is strategically very important for us," Ranjan explained.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is designed to be one of India's most technologically advanced airports. It will feature 5G connectivity to enhance efficiency and productivity, and utilize data-driven insights to improve turnaround times.

Additional technological features include seamless, contact-free processing under Digi Yatra, elimination of manual ID and boarding pass checks, IATA 753-compliant baggage tracking, comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage with robust cybersecurity, smart traffic management systems, advanced tracking systems, IoT devices for real-time monitoring, automated baggage handling, and Aviio—an in-house application developed for airport stakeholders.

Addressing the technological aspects, Ranjan stated, "CISF is committed to provide world-class security, and we are committed to follow all the security norms, and the management has already provided us with the best of the equipment. So, we are all well-prepared and ready to face the challenge. And I am sure, in times to come, the cooperation with the Navi Mumbai International Airport management and CISF will make us stronger. We will facilitate in whatever manner possible to make it a world-class airport."

He further emphasized that "Security operations at NMIA will be carried out in close coordination with all stakeholders, encompassing both core and non-core areas and reaffirmed the Force's unwavering commitment to professionalism, vigilance and a passenger-friendly approach, ensuring the highest standards of aviation security."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Navi Mumbai International Airport on October 8. The airport is expected to significantly boost trade and tourism for Mumbai, Pune, and the Konkan region.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has assigned 'NMI' as the location code for Mumbai's second airport. Airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already announced plans to commence operations at NMIA, initially offering connections to various domestic destinations. Upon completion, the airport will have the capacity to serve 90 million passengers and handle over 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.

NMIA is situated approximately 40 km east of South Mumbai and around 35 km southeast from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), in Panvel Taluka, Raigad district of Maharashtra. The airport is centrally located in Navi Mumbai, between Amra Marg and National Highway 48. Infrastructure projects such as the Atal Setu and Ulwe Coastal Road will provide convenient access to the airport from Mumbai city.