The Union government has appointed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for over 250 major and minor ports across India. The move aims to enhance port security, identify gaps, and implement professional security measures similar to airport standards.
CISF officials stated that the force, which currently oversees security at over 70 airports, will now audit the security of all seaports, including prominent ones like Adani’s Mundra Port in Gujarat.
Airport-Style Security to Be Introduced at Ports
Security at ports will now be modeled on airport protocols, with CISF conducting comprehensive security audits and developing port-specific security plans. Sensitive areas, including entry and exit points, will be secured by CISF personnel, while non-core tasks such as traffic management and gate control may continue to be handled by state police or private security agencies.
DIGs Ajay Dahiya and AP Singh stated that, so far, CISF managed security at 14 major ports. About 80 ports still rely on state police or private security. The government’s move is intended to create a hybrid security model ensuring both preventive and emergency response capabilities across all ports.
Additional Manpower and Training Proposed
CISF has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to sanction approximately 10,000 additional personnel, citing the current deployment of 800-1,000 staff at the main ports.
The force will also train private security personnel, establish training centers as needed, and deploy large scanners to monitor containers efficiently.
Bureau of Port Security to Be Set Up
A new Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) will be created, modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), to oversee compliance with ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code, a global standard for safeguarding ports and ships against terror attacks and other threats.
Coastal Security a National Priority
The security of Indian ports has gained increased attention due to the risk of illicit activities. Between 2020 and 2024, drugs worth ₹11,311 crore were seized in 19 cases at seaports, according to Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai.
Coastal security will also be discussed at the upcoming annual conference of police DGs in Raipur, attended by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Hybrid Security Model for Core and Non-Core Duties
Under the new framework –
- Core security (entry/exit points, sensitive zones) – CISF
- Non-core functions (traffic management, gate control) – State police/private agencies
- Coordination between all agencies – strengthened emergency response
CISF DIG Ajay Dahiya emphasized that this model will professionalize port security, ensure rapid response to threats, and improve overall operational efficiency.
