registration numbers are not mentioned by the parking in-charge
Jose K. Joseph
Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: There is no facility to note the registration numbers of vehicles that enter the premises of the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) to pick up and drop flyers.
This security loophole is a major cause of concern particularly after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security of India put airports on high alert following the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot.
The vehicles that enter through the entry points at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are issued parking tickets. However, there is no CCTV there and no other facility to note the vehicle numbers. The electronic ticket issuing facility at the entry point of Terminal 1 has the facility to enter the registration numbers of vehicles but the person manning the booth does not use this facility, according to sources.
Many taxi drivers said that this situation has been prevailing for about one year. “The ticket issuer will not note down the registration number of the vehicle. This has been the situation at the airport for more than a year,” said Bibhu Jena, a taxi driver who often takes passengers to the city airport.
“Ticketing at the parking area of the airport is given on short-term contract of six months. It was earlier handled by GR Parking but the Airports Authority of India (AAI) terminated that contract after receiving frequent complaints from visitors. Currently, this is being handled by Santhosh Jena. We will take necessary action,” said Basudev Behera, assistant general manger (finance/commercial), AAI.
Airport director Sharad Kumar said he would take immediate action on this issue. “Considering the seriousness of the issue we will take immediate action. Moreover, we also plan to install CCTV cameras at these entry points,” said Kumar. PNN