Bhubaneswar to host Aviation Security Training Institute as state ramps up air infrastructure
Bhubaneswar is set to become a pivotal hub for aviation security training as the state government initiates the establishment of an advanced Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) to meet the rapidly growing demands of its expanding aviation network. With Odisha witnessing the development of new airports and airstrips, the proposed institute aims to build a pool of skilled security personnel for deployment across various facilities, including existing and upcoming airports.
According to officials, the existing premises of the Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI) located at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) are undergoing a comprehensive revamp. This site is being upgraded by the Directorate of Civil Aviation in alignment with the standards and approvals of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), to host ASTI and facilitate professional training in aviation security. While the full-scale development of the permanent facility is underway, the directorate has identified an interim location in the Mancheswar area of Bhubaneswar to begin initial training activities. The temporary setup will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to conduct accredited courses, ensuring there is no delay in catering to the state’s immediate skill development requirements in aviation security.
A senior official from BPIA noted that Odisha’s aviation footprint is expanding significantly, with multiple operational airports and numerous airstrips under development. Notably, the state has proposed a new international airport in Puri and planned airstrips in regions like Sambalpur and Nuapada. This surge in aviation infrastructure demands parallel growth in security and operational expertise, which ASTI aims to address effectively. Designed to operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ASTI will follow global benchmarks in aviation safety and security training. The private partner selected for this initiative will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility, in addition to offering professional training programs. These courses, vetted and authorised by industry regulators, will be made accessible at affordable rates, particularly targeting the youth from Odisha.
The state government sees ASTI as more than just a training institute—it envisions it as a launchpad for youth employment in the burgeoning aviation sector. The focus will be on building a workforce that is not just qualified but industry-ready, with the potential for immediate employment in both state and national aviation establishments. Looking ahead, authorities have expressed their intent to elevate ASTI into a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in aviation security. This move would not only support Odisha’s aviation needs but also serve the broader requirement for trained security personnel across the country. The envisioned CoE would offer advanced courses, research capabilities, and certification programs aimed at raising India’s global profile in aviation safety standards.
By establishing ASTI, Odisha positions itself at the forefront of aviation sector development in eastern India. The institute is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the security framework of the region’s air travel infrastructure while simultaneously opening up long-term career opportunities for thousands of young aspirants across the state.
