Amit Shah reviews port security plan, advocates CISF-trained guards

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed a proposal to establish a dedicated port security bureau and emphasised the need for deploying guards trained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at major ports across the country.

During the meeting, Shah assessed the current security arrangements at India's ports and discussed the framework for a specialised security force. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways presented a detailed plan outlining the structure and operational modalities of the proposed bureau.

The home minister stressed that CISF-trained personnel should be deployed at all major ports to ensure uniform and professional security standards. He noted that the CISF has a proven track record in securing critical infrastructure and that its expertise would enhance the safety of port operations.

The proposed bureau is expected to coordinate with state police, customs, and other agencies to address vulnerabilities such as smuggling, illegal entry, and cargo theft. The move comes in the wake of increasing maritime trade and the strategic importance of ports for national security.

Further details regarding the timeline for implementation and the number of personnel to be deployed are expected to be finalised in subsequent meetings. A senior official stated that the government is committed to strengthening port security without compromising the efficiency of cargo handling.