Darbhanga, May 16: Security responsibilities at Darbhanga Airport were officially handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) during a formal induction ceremony held at the airport premises on Wednesday, marking a major step towards strengthening aviation security and protection of critical infrastructure in North Bihar.
With this induction, Darbhanga becomes the 72nd airport in the country and the third airport in Bihar — after Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport and Gaya Airport — to come under CISF security cover.
The ceremony was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Member of Parliament Gopal Jee Thakur, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Director General of CISF Praveer Ranjan, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, Additional Director General of CISF Airport Sector Binita Thakur, and Deputy Inspector General Kim, along with senior officials from the civil aviation sector and security agencies.
A total of 145 CISF personnel have been deployed at the airport to provide specialised and technology-driven aviation security. Officials stated that the deployment holds strategic importance because of Darbhanga’s proximity to the 729-km Indo-Nepal border and growing concerns related to transnational threats, smuggling networks, and emerging security challenges including drone sightings in border areas.
Operating as a civil enclave within an Indian Air Force station, the airport requires a highly trained aviation security setup. CISF will now oversee a multi-layered security framework that includes advanced passenger and baggage screening, anti-sabotage checks, surveillance systems, access control measures, and rapid response mechanisms.
Specialised units such as Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS), and K9 Dog Squads trained in explosive detection have also been deployed to enhance preparedness against modern security threats.
Darbhanga Airport has emerged as one of the fastest-growing airports under the Government of India’s UDAN Scheme, significantly improving regional air connectivity in North Bihar. Its proximity to the Nepal border further underlines its strategic importance. The airport has witnessed rapid growth in passenger traffic over recent years, boosting the region’s economic and social development.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said, “There will be no compromise on security. The Mithila region is highly sensitive, and the induction of CISF ensures a robust shield for our citizens.”
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan stated that the force remains committed to providing safe, secure, and passenger-friendly airport environments through professional manpower, advanced technology, and globally benchmarked security practices.
With the inclusion of Darbhanga Airport, CISF now secures 11 critical installations across Bihar, including major industrial units and airports, further strengthening its role in safeguarding vital national infrastructure in the state.
