India Resets the Rules for Airport Security — Starting With Cargo

By Maria Kalamatas | May 14, 2025

New Delhi —
You wouldn’t notice it as a traveler. No announcements, no banners. But inside the cargo terminals of India’s busiest airports, a quiet transfer of power is already underway.

Last Friday, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officially assumed control over cargo and checked baggage screening across the country. Until now, those duties had been shared between airlines, airport contractors, and private handlers. That’s no longer the case.

“It’s about bringing clarity,” said an airport official involved in the transition. “We had too many hands on the same task, with no one truly accountable.”

The change affects 69 civilian airports. In practice, it means that every freight box, every hold bag—whether domestic or international—is now screened by one federal force. The goal: consistency, oversight, and fewer blind spots.

Logistics operators are still adjusting. Some are optimistic, saying a unified process could eliminate confusion. Others are concerned that new procedures might introduce delays in the short term.

“There’s always friction when systems change,” said a cargo manager in Chennai. “But if it improves trust with global partners, we’re on board.”

Security has become a top priority as India positions itself as a global trade hub. With cargo volumes rising—especially in pharma and tech—authorities want tighter control over what moves in and out. The CISF, which already manages passenger security, was seen as the natural choice to expand into cargo.

And yet, the rollout is happening without headlines. It’s quiet, methodical, and designed to avoid disruption. For now, the industry is adapting in real time.

“The truth is, most people won’t even notice,” said a logistics analyst in Mumbai. “But if fewer shipments are flagged, and turnaround times improve, that’s when you’ll know it worked.”

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