Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General Praveer Ranjan chaired an operational review meeting on May 29 at Chandigarh to evaluate the force's preparedness and security arrangements across the north sector and airport sector.
The meeting, attended by senior officers and unit commanders, addressed strengthening security measures, improving inter-agency coordination, and adopting advanced technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and civil aviation facilities.
The review holds particular importance due to evolving security challenges in border and strategically sensitive regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. The CISF highlighted that emphasis was placed on enhancing readiness against emerging threats such as drone-related challenges, anti-sabotage measures, and disaster response capabilities.
To counter low-altitude aerial threats, the CISF has initiated a phased counter-drone training programme conducted in partnership with the Indian Army. This training, carried out at specialised locations, equips personnel to detect, track, and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial systems.
Joint training initiatives with the Indian Army and other agencies relating to counter-terrorism, rapid response, and disaster management were also reviewed. These include Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism training, Quick Reaction Team specialised training, Battle Inoculation Training with the Army, and the Art of Living resilience programme aimed at mental resilience and stress management. CISF personnel have also undergone training with Army establishments and the National Disaster Response Force to bolster tactical and emergency response capabilities.
In the aviation sector, the force reviewed technological and operational upgrades at commercial airports under its protection. Discussions focused on enhancing perimeter security, upgrading surveillance systems, and adopting next-generation screening technologies to maintain high standards of aviation security.
Key technologies deployed include Digi Yatra and Aadhaar validation for biometric passenger transit and identity verification; Full Body Scanners and CCTV video analytics for non-intrusive passenger screening and automated threat detection; Centralized Access Control and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems for monitoring staff movement and securing airport perimeters; and Automated Tray Return Systems alongside Bomb Detection and Disposal Systems to improve baggage screening and explosive detection readiness.
The CISF is intensifying efforts to enhance airport Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), with 659 personnel from 49 Aviation Security Groups having completed military-grade Battle Inoculation Training. The force aims to train QRT personnel at all 72 airports under its jurisdiction by the end of 2026.
A proposal for establishing a CISF Aviation Security Academy is under consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, the 10th Reserve Battalion in Bengaluru has been designated as a Mahila QRT/Commandos Training Centre to prepare women personnel for frontline security roles.
Addressing the commanders, DG CISF praised the force’s professionalism and commitment, stressing that ongoing physical training, inter-agency cooperation, and rapid adoption of technology are essential to counter modern threats. He also commended Soft Skills Training programmes conducted in partnership with airline operators to enhance passenger service standards.
The Director General reaffirmed the CISF’s dedication to securing the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring a safe environment through proactive, technology-driven, and responsive security measures.