Ranchi Airport Security Alert: 90 Unauthorised Vehicles Identified As Major Threat

The security of Birsa Munda Airport (Ranchi Airport) has been flagged as vulnerable due to the presence of dozens of unauthorised four-wheeled vehicles parked near the premises. A total of 90 such vehicles have been identified by the airport management, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and security agencies.

These vehicles are primarily parked illegally on both sides of the road, stretching from the airport terminal building to the Meteorological Department office and towards Hinu.

Security Implications And VVIP Safety

Security agencies have submitted a detailed report warning that these illegally parked vehicles pose a significant threat.

VVIP Movement: The presence of these vehicles renders the movement of VVIPs insecure.

High-Value Targets: The security of the airport terminal and the nearby Meteorological Department centre is compromised. 

Potential For Incidents: Authorities fear that these unchecked vehicles could lead to an untoward incident at any time.

Context: The Delhi Incident

The urgency of this review follows a tragic incident in Delhi on 10 November, where a vehicle explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station resulted in 13 deaths and over 24 injuries. This event prompted a high-level review of security protocols at Ranchi Airport.

Administrative Action And Traffic Crackdown

Following the review meeting, which included Ranchi’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and airport officials, a decision was made to launch a crackdown on illegal parking from the airport to Hinu Chowk.

List Submitted: Airport management has submitted the list of the 90 identified vehicles to the district administration and the Superintendent of Traffic Police.

Action Plan: A request has been made to the police department to conduct a month-long drive to remove unauthorised vehicles by towing them and imposing appropriate fines.

Surveillance: Daily monitoring of vehicles around the perimeter has commenced, and vehicles entering the designated car park are now being inspected.

History Of Threats And "Highly Sensitive" Status

Ranchi Airport has been categorized as "highly sensitive" due to a history of security threats.

Recent History: Two bomb threats have been received this year alone.

Previous Year: Last year, threats were received on May 11, September 22 and October 22. On October 28, a specific threat to blow up a Vistara aircraft was received via the social media platform X at 3:00 PM.

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Enhanced Security Measures

In response to the categorisation and recent threats, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened:

CISF Deployment: The CISF has increased its vigilance, monitoring all suspicious activities around the airport.

Quick Response Team (QRT): A QRT will soon be deployed at the airport to handle emergencies.

Isolation Bay: Construction has begun on an 'isolation bay.' This facility is critical for emergency situations, such as hijackings or bomb threats, allowing a compromised aircraft to be parked safely away from the main terminal and other planes.

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Official Statement

Birsa Munda Airport Director Vinod Kumar states,"Ranchi Airport is in the highly sensitive category. The CISF has increased security. Security checks have been tightened. All suspicious activity around the airport is being monitored. The airport has also received bomb threats in the past. After the explosion in Delhi, a meeting was held... officials from the district administration and the traffic department have been instructed to take action against unauthorised parked vehicles."