CISF, DIAL take measures to de-congest airport’s Terminal 3

In a bid to de-congest the Delhi airport Terminal 3 (T3) , Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) have taken several steps. DIAL has increased the width of the terminal entry gate to allow deployment of two CISF personnel at each gate on the pattern of T3 instead of one CISF personnel deployed presently leading to long queues. The airport operator (DIAL) has installed an additional swing gate at each of the eight Terminal Entry Portals, thereby, increasing the total number of Terminal entry points to 16.

Earlier, airlines were utilising 58 check-in counters against the 96 available counters which was leading to longer queues. To ease check-in congestion, airlines were asked to utilise all available check-in counters. Based on the new counter allocation, airlines have been able to optimise counter usage, enhance process efficiencies and subsequently reduce passenger queue times. Currently, airlines are operating additional check-in-counters as and when required, to handle rush or group check-ins.

“The airport operator has also increased the number of X- ray machines from 16 to 18 and number of frisking booths from 32 to 36. To reduce the waiting time at the security screening, CISF also deployed additional manpower from September 15 at all X-ray machines and frisking booths,” said the sources. 

In addition, enhanced Security Restricted Articles [SRA] signages have been installed by DIAL, the sources added.

To facilitate speedy screening of hand baggages, special trays have been ordered by the airport operator (DIAL) and it will be expected to reach at the Delhi airport by the end of this month.

To improve passenger convenience at the boarding gate area, the airport operator will increase boarding gate area from the current 1787 sqm to 3574 sqm by November 15, 2015. 

The sources further said: “By February 28, 2016, the number of boarding gates will be increased from 15 to 20. Inter-Terminal Transfer (T1C- T1D) on airside to be made operational by mid-september. CISF have deployed additional manpower.”

The Inter Terminal Transfer (T1C-T1D) has been operationalised since September 2015. Six flap gates and one staff entry gate have been installed and are under operational fine tuning from October 7. Approximately 30,000 passengers have already been processed through these Flap Gates at a total of 2,600 passengers per hour.