A massive “software glitch” has hit the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), severely affecting the publication of new smart card airport security entry passes for those working inside airports across the country. The BCAS is likely to miss the deadline for publication of thousands of the new smart card passes which was to be by the end of this month.
The delay could have a bearing on aviation security since the new smart card passes are expected to completely eliminate any chance of impersonation or tampering with airport passes. The current airport security passes do not have smart cards. “The smart card passes have electronic chips inside with details of the individual that makes it impossible for any impersonation to take place. This will be a crucial measure to make Indian aviation security foolproof,” said a source.
Permanent airport security entry passes in India are issued by the BCAS —— the agency responsible for aviation security in India —— that functions under the purview of the civil aviation ministry.
Sources, however, say the current airport security passes are valid till the end of December this year which gives the BCAS time to resolve the glitches. Sources said that on account of the glitch, far fewer smart card passes were being printed every day compared to the earlier schedule resulting in the delay. According to some estimates, about 1.3 lakh smart card passes could be printed for those involved in aviation operations at airports across the country. Sources said that could take up to two to three months more before all the smart card passes are prepared.