Patna: Security has been significantly stepped up at Patna airport, with hand baggage to be checked twice from Friday as part of heightened precautionary measures amid concerns over a potential threat. The enhanced security protocol will remain in place until May 18.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now conduct two rounds of hand baggage checks—once during the initial security clearance, and again at the boarding gate. Luggage checks will continue as before. Additionally, visitors’ passes will no longer be issued during this period.
CISF personnel leave has also been cancelled, with orders issued to those already on leave to report back within 24 hours. Armed jawans have been deployed for intensified patrolling, covering the airport’s boundary walls and towers, while bomb and dog squads have been conducting routine sweeps every 30 minutes.
Surveillance through CCTV has been ramped up across the terminal, with special attention given to passenger and baggage screening. Airport authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police personnel or airport official.
The security alert has also triggered late-night hotel checks across several parts of the city. Police teams from Kotwali, Gandhi Maidan, Kankarbagh, Patrakar Nagar, and Jakkanpur stations visited local hotels to collect details of guests. Hotel managers have been directed to maintain thorough records of all visitors.
On the city’s outskirts, vehicle checks have been intensified along district borders. Additional forces have been deployed, with commuters being asked for identification and other personal details as part of the enhanced scrutiny.
Officials said the measures were purely precautionary, but necessary in light of the current security climate.
