Mangaluru: Top aviation security officers from South India recently met in Cochin to discuss how air travel can be made safer, and more passenger-friendly. According to Virendra Mohan Joshi, senior commandant and chief aerodrome security officer (CASO) of the aviation security group (ASG) in Mangaluru International Airport, the Cochin Airport hosted a key CISF conference on passenger-friendly security. Security chiefs from across South India gathered to rethink how airports can stay safe and convenient for passengers.For travellers, this means that the agencies responsible for keeping airports secure, are not only focusing on tightening security but also on making it less intrusive and more convenient. The event was inaugurated by Praveer Ranjan, special director general (APS), in the presence of Jose Mohan, inspector general, CISF. Security heads from major airports participated in discussions on issues that directly affect passengers, such as smoother security checks, better coordination between agencies, and how to keep air travel hassle-free while maintaining security.One of the highlights for passengers was the showcase of new technologies by Cochin Airport’s IT team. From AI-enabled surveillance and full-body scanners to advanced intrusion detection systems and cybersecurity upgrades, these tools are expected to make airports more efficient and reduce long queues. The special director general of CISF underlined the importance of making security ‘dynamic and people-centric,’ meaning that while threats continue to evolve, the traveller’s comfort and convenience remain a priority.This conference is part of a larger series of workshops being held across the country after a high-level meeting in Delhi earlier this year. Regional events, such as the ones in Guwahati and now Cochin, allow security officers to exchange practical feedback. The Cochin meet also marked the inauguration of new facilities for CISF personnel, showing that the force is equally focused on the welfare of its staff—another factor that indirectly benefits passengers by keeping security staff motivated and alert, stated a release.

Air India Express on Monday started its direct flight operations from Dehradun to Bengaluru with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off the new air service at the Jolly Grant Airport.

The Chief Minister described it as a significant milestone in the overall development of the state and the expansion of air connectivity.

“The commencement of Air India Express services from Dehradun marks a significant achievement in civil aviation for our state. Better connectivity with Bengaluru will greatly boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand,” he said.

Direct air service between Dehradun and Bengaluru by Air India Express would also be a great facility for the youth, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, students, and tourists of Uttarakhand, he said.

“Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and thousands of youths from Uttarakhand are engaged there in education, services, and startups. Now, they will have a more convenient, timely, and safe travel option to visit their home state,” the Chief Minister said.

“It will also strengthen connectivity for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with one of India’s most dynamic cities. We welcome Air India Express and look forward to the positive impact this connectivity will have on our people and economy,” Dhami said.

In recent years, the state government has taken several major decisions – from policy reforms to infrastructure development – to strengthen air connectivity, Dhami said.

“We are delighted to commence direct flight operations from Dehradun to our largest domestic hub, Bengaluru. This shows the rapid expansion of our network,” Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said.

“With over 115 aircraft now in our fleet, we are building a stronger and more accessible network that reflects the aspirations of modern India,” he said.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] September 15 (ANI): Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, on Monday said it has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) to develop the ropeway project between Sonprayag and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

It will invest Rs 4,081 crore in the project, to be executed by AEL’s Roads, Metro, Rail and Water (RMRW) division. The 12.9 km ropeway is expected to transform one of India’s most challenging pilgrimages by reducing the journey time from the current 8 to 9-hour trek to just 36 minutes, the company said in a release.

Once completed, the ropeway will be capable of carrying 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing the arduous journey for lakhs of devotees visiting the Kedarnath shrine every year. Kedarnath attracts around 20 lakh pilgrims annually, and the new ropeway is projected to not only make the travel safer and faster but also improve the overall pilgrim experience.

The project falls under the Government of India’s National Ropeways Development Programme, ‘Parvatmala and will be developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a revenue-share basis with NHLML. According to the company, construction is estimated to take six years, after which AEL will operate the ropeway for 29 years.

“The Kedarnath ropeway is more than an engineering project – it is a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, as per the release.

The release further stated, “By making this sacred journey safer, faster and more accessible, we honour the faith of millions while creating new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s people through our partnership with NHLML and the Government of Uttarakhand. This prestigious project reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that not only serves the nation but also uplifts its people.”

Apart from providing improved connectivity, the project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities and significantly boost tourism in the region.

He further noted that the project reflects Adani Group’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only strengthens the nation but also uplifts communities.

Adani Enterprises, which entered the roads and highways sector in 2018, has steadily expanded its portfolio under the RMRW division. Currently, it has 14 projects across Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) modes, covering more than 5,000 lane kilometres.

The Kedarnath ropeway project is being viewed as a landmark step that will combine technological expertise with spiritual significance, providing pilgrims with a safer and more comfortable passage while opening up new economic avenues for the state of Uttarakhand. (ANI)

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