Terrorists literally rocked Mumbai one month ago. Though Mumbai won against yet another battle against terrorism, it seems Mumbai has NOT yet learnt its lessons! Here’s yet another example of apathy of the authorities…

A new baggage security check system, which could prevent tampering, has failed during trials at Mumbai airport. The reason is faults in the new X-ray machines used to scan the luggage. The machines failed to detect explosives. As a result, there is a delay in introduction of the system.

Sources say this system could prevent instances of passengers by-passing the baggage screening process, as was the case with the four persons who were arrested on Thursday. The four men were smuggling mobile phone batteries and chargers. Currently, an airline employee checks baggage before a passengers check-in and it is placed in the plane’s cargo-hold.

Under the new system, called the ‘inline baggage check’, the luggage will be screened after the passenger checks-in. Passengers will hand over baggage to the staff while checking in. The baggage will pass through an X-ray machine, which will scan for explosives and other prohibited substances. The system segregates suspicious baggage. Such baggage will be screened a second time and checked by security staff. If anything suspicious is found, the passenger will be summoned and the luggage checked manually in his/her presence.

Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad airports have already installed this system but Mumbai airport has missed its November deadline. At present, airlines check the luggage but in the new system the responsibility is on the airport operator, who will also earn revenue for the service. According to aviation sources, Mumbai International Airport Limited was to commission the new system by November but is yet to complete even the mandatory training of staff.