(a) whether the count of passenger at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport has registered a 30 per cent growth during last year, but the number of security counters to cater them has not gone up from three;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken /proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a)& (b) Yes, Sir. The passenger growth at NSCBI Airport, Kolkata was 36% during the year 2006-07 vis-a-vis 2005-06. The growth is attributable to general growth in aviation, better connectivity and competitive prices. To cater to the increased passenger traffic, the number of X-ray machines have also been increased from three to five at domestic terminal for screening hand baggage. The number of frisking booths has also been increased at Domestic terminal. Nine frisking booths are manned during day and four during night.
(c) Keeping in view the growth of passenger traffic, additional security hold areas were planned and the new scheme has been put into operation w.e.f. 22.5.2007 after deployment of 40 additional CISF personnel.