CISF takes over security of Shirdi International Airport

Chief guest C.V.Anand at induction ceremony 

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) formally took over the regular security of Shirdi International Airport (Maharashtra) with the sanctioned strength of more than 180 personnel headed by a Deputy Commandant-rank officer on June 7 amidst a colourful induction ceremony.

Mr.C.V.Anand IPS, Inspector General, CISF was the chief guest on the occasion.Director of the airport, senior district administrative officers, state police officers and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.

With this induction, total airports under CISF security cover raised to 60 as on date. The administrative control of this airport will be under DIG, CISF West Zone Airport, Mumbai.

Shirdi International Airport is located at Kakadi village, around 12 km from famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, a prominent pilgrimage centre that attracts devotees from across the world. This Airport is owned by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) and was inaugurated on October 1 last year. The airport has a terminal building and the area of the airport is spread on approximately 1,300 acres of land with 2,500 mtrs-long runway.

In the light of the increased threat perception to the aviation sector across the country, security of Shirdi International Airport is of utmost importance as thousands of pilgrims, foreigners and VVIPs frequently visit Shirdi Sai Baba Temple through this airport.

The officials of the MADC have said that the airport will see expansion this year and that its runway extension project and night landing facility is expected to be completed within two months’ time. Furthermore, it has been said that planning of the second terminal building of the airport will also begin by this year with the actual construction set to begin by early next year. The airport officials are looking towards international flights from the airport by next year.