(a) whether the Government is aware that X-ray machine to check baggages of the passengers was out of order on November 19, 2005 at Raipur Airport and the luggage was loaded without checking;
(b) if so, whether there is no stand-by arrangements at the airports in the country for security checks;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps being taken to make alternative arrangements for security checks in such cases?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a): On 19.11.2005, the machine installed for checking the registered baggage of the passengers at Raipur airport was unserviceable. However, as per the standing instructions the registered baggage of the passengers were loaded after manual checking.
(b) to (d): Additional X-ray machines have been provided at some of the major airports in the country as standby to X-ray machines in operation. However, at smaller airports, due to constraint of space in the Terminal Building, additional X-ray machines have not been provided. Whenever the X-ray machines go out of order, registered baggage of the passengers are checked manually by the security personnel.