Located in an area where a separatist insurgency refuses to die down, the Srinagar airport in the Kashmir Valley is acquiring an array of modern gadgets to fortify it from terror attacks.

"It is the most hypersensitive (where threat perception is highest) airport in India, and we are aware of the enormity of the task ahead of us," P. Srikrishna, the director of Srinagar airport, told IANS.

As part of a sweeping makeover scheduled to be completed by December 2005, the airport will have colour scanners, the first of their kind in India.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is overseeing the project, has requisitioned state-of-the-art vehicle scanners and explosive detection device at a high cost.

"The scanners we have requisitioned have the latest technology and cost an enormous amount of money, but we have to have modern machines," said Srikrishna.

Colour scanners, equipped to detect even plastic explosives, will be positioned at the gates.

Passengers entering the high-security airport on the outskirts of the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir currently have their baggage checked at least three sites, including one check post located over a kilometre from the airport's main gate.

The AAI also plans to strengthen the three-tier security cover, with an outer ring of Border Security Force personnel, a middle cover of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the innermost cordon of CRPF and local police.

One of India's first centrally heated airports located at 1,700 metres above sea level, the Srinagar airport will also acquire a modular design with more glass than concrete in keeping with the global trend, at a cost of Rs.1.3 billion ($28.9 million).

When a new terminal building is constructed -- the work was awarded recently to a New Delhi-based company --- the airport in one of the world's hottest trouble spots will be able to handle some 1,000 passengers, say officials.

The existing terminal handles at best 250 passengers.

Srinagar is a gateway to the Kashmir Valley, nestled in the Karakoram, Zanskar and Peer Panjal ranges of the Himalayas.

In recent months, there has been a surge in tourist arrivals in the picturesque valley though security concerns remain due to the dragging insurgency that erupted in 1989.

"We want to connect the militant-affected area with the mainland," said an AAI official.

"Also, Haj pilgrims will not have to go to Jammu and New Delhi, since the Srinagar airport will be able to handle more direct traffic."

The first phase of the work is scheduled for completion in December 2005. The expanded terminal is designed to have six aerobridges, four escalators, 16 check-in counters and a central heating system.

The passenger terminal building is to be expanded by nearly two-and-a-half times the floor area, from 6,190 to 17,622 square metres.
 
One of the most significant features of the airport will be its enhanced capacity to handle more Haj pilgrims, with provisions for customs and immigration facilities.

The airport currently handles some 3,500 Haj pilgrims annually with flights to Jeddah and back.

According to the AAI, the parking apron will be expanded to accommodate eight wide-bodied aircraft at a time, instead of the current four.

The new look airport will also have Internet cafes, local décor and restaurants serving the much-relished Kashmiri cuisine. Besides passengers will have a choice of relaxing between flights in well-appointed lounges.

--Indo-Asian News Service