CISF security for cruise travellers

Mumbai: Paramilitary force CISF has been earmarked for providing security to ports and also ensure an airport-like facility for travellers of luxury ships, as part of the government’s grand plans to promote cruise tourism.

The union home ministry has tasked the Central Industrial Security Force to “take care” of the security aspect of this project which is expected to have an interface with lakhs of international and domestic tourists every month.

Union shipping, road transport and highways minister, Nitin Gadkari and minister of state for tourism and culture, Mahesh Sharma unveiled a proposal for a full-fledged cruise tourism policy on tuesday and it is likely to be implemented within the next three months.

A blueprint prepared on the subject said the CISF will be responsible for all entry and exit operations at the port, frisking of disembarking and boarding passengers, validation of travel tickets.