Kolkata: As the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) moves to raise its first all-women battalion, Kolkata airport has emerged as the force’s biggest hub for women personnel. Senior CISF officials on Monday said the airport currently has around 350 women constables and officers — the highest deployment at any airport in the country and about 7% higher than the national average.“The total strength of CISF personnel currently stands at 2,102, of whom 350 are women. We are well ahead of the national average women representation of 9% in the country. Once the all-women battalion comes up, the strength can be increased further,” said a senior CISF official at Kolkata airport on Monday.
Officials said the strong presence of women personnel at Kolkata airport reflects a renewed thrust on gender inclusion and operational readiness in aviation security, especially in passenger screening and high-footfall zones.The push comes alongside CISF’s decision to set up its first women battalion in Nuh, Haryana, to meet the growing requirement for female personnel during high-alert and sensitive deployments. The ministry of home affairs approved the creation of 1,025 new posts for the battalion in 2024. The Haryana govt has allotted 50 acres of land in Nuh for the project, which was assessed and cleared by the force.In a parallel move, CISF also launched its first all-women commando unit to strengthen specialised response capabilities. Training is currently underway at the force’s Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh, where 30 women personnel are undergoing an eight-week advanced course.The training programme includes rigorous physical conditioning, weapons handling, live-fire exercises, rappelling, and survival drills. Once trained, these commandos will be deployed in Quick Reaction Teams and Special Task Forces at high-security installations, including airports and other critical infrastructure.Officials said at least 100 women personnel from Aviation Security Groups and other sensitive units will be trained in the first phase.“The force plans to make the programme a regular feature, with a long-term goal of raising women’s representation to 10%. At present, women account for about 9% of the CISF’s total strength,” the official added.
