CISF Director-General Unveils Comprehensive Modernization Strategy on 57th Raising Day
On the eve of the Central Industrial Security Force's 57th Raising Day, Director-General Praveer Ranjan provided detailed insights into how the force is evolving to address contemporary security challenges. In an exclusive interview, Ranjan outlined significant expansions in Odisha, new port security responsibilities, and cutting-edge technological upgrades across critical installations.
Strategic Expansion in Odisha
The CISF currently maintains 15 units across Odisha, securing vital infrastructure including Biju Patnaik International Airport, major ports, defense establishments, and government public sector undertakings. Director-General Ranjan revealed that during a Monday meeting with Odisha's Chief Minister, he formally requested land allocation to establish a dedicated battalion within the state.
This expansion includes providing specialized training support to personnel of the Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF). Furthermore, CISF will soon assume security responsibilities at three major industrial facilities: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India's plants in Paradip (Jagatsinghpur) and Dabuna (Keonjhar), along with NLCIL's thermal power plant at Tareikela in Jharsuguda district.
Port Security Leadership Role
With Odisha actively promoting port-based blue economy initiatives, CISF's role in maritime security has gained prominence. The central government recently approved establishing the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, to oversee nationwide vessel and port facility security.
CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation for ports, tasked with conducting comprehensive security assessments and developing detailed security plans. To fulfill this mandate, the force is creating a dedicated port security vertical with approximately 10,000 specially trained personnel.
Additionally, CISF has begun training private security agencies involved in port security, with programs already operational in Kochi, Chennai, and Mumbai.
Advanced Aerial Security Capabilities
Aerial security has emerged as a top priority for CISF. The force has established a specialized drone training and anti-drone capability center at the Maharana Pratap Regional Training Centre in Behror, Rajasthan. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved creating a remote pilot training organization to educate personnel in both drone operations and sophisticated counter-drone systems.
Anti-drone systems are being systematically installed at airports nationwide, with CISF designated as the nodal agency for aerial threat management at vital installations across India.
Technology-Driven Aviation Security Transformation
Technology infusion forms the cornerstone of CISF's aviation security roadmap. The force is implementing advanced full-body scanners, artificial intelligence-driven video analytics systems, specialized cyber commandos for digital defense, integrated command centers with CCTV analytics, biometric access control mechanisms, and AI-enabled data systems.
These comprehensive measures aim to create smarter, faster, and more resilient airport security ecosystems capable of addressing evolving threats.
Specialized Domain Expertise Development
CISF is actively developing domain experts across critical security fields including cybersecurity, data science, aviation security, battle craft, weapons and tactics, anti-drone solutions, and fire management. These specialists will undergo advanced training programs and serve as knowledge drivers, ensuring CISF maintains technological and expertise superiority.
Enhanced Personnel Welfare Initiatives
The force's new human resources policy emphasizes work-life balance through innovative measures. For the first time, covering 98% of personnel, CISF has introduced choice-based postings that allow personnel with ten or more years of service to list ten preferred locations.
This posting policy change has significantly increased satisfaction levels among personnel, which now stands at 87% according to internal assessments.
As CISF approaches its 57th anniversary, these comprehensive modernization initiatives demonstrate the force's commitment to adapting to new-age security challenges while expanding its protective footprint across critical national infrastructure.
