The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has greenlit the establishment of an Assistant Regional Office (ARO) of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) at Hubballi Airport. This move marks a significant step in bolstering civil aviation security in the region. The BCAS, a key regulatory body overseeing civil aviation security in India, ensures compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and national security protocols.
The decision follows a request from Union Minister for Food, Renewable Energy, and Dharwad MP, Pralhad Joshi, who had advocated for the establishment of the ARO in January 2024. In his letter to the then Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Joshi highlighted the need for enhanced security measures at Hubballi Airport, which is undergoing significant upgrades to meet international standards. The proposed ARO aims to improve coordination and support the development of regional airports. In response to this request, the Ministry has approved the establishment of the ARO, which will be part of an expansion plan that includes 13 new AROs across various locations. The ARO at Hubballi will be staffed with a supervisor, two assistants, and Group ‘D’ personnel. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Narendra Modi government to increase the number of BCAS regional offices and enhance security oversight across the country. Previously, there were 61 civil aviation security liaison officers working under 20 regional offices. The recent additions include four new regional offices in Goa, Noida, Itanagar, and Chandigarh.
The new ARO at Hubballi is expected to enhance security monitoring not only at Hubballi Airport but also at Vijayapura and Belagavi airports. Pralhad Joshi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and K Ram Mohan Naidu for their support in securing the approval. This development is anticipated to significantly contribute to the safety and efficiency of air travel in the region.
