More immigration staff at airport to clear rush

CHENNAI: The state government has decided to deploy 50 more immigration officials at Chennai airport to ensure that travelers do not have to wait in long queues.

The decision was taken at a recent airport review meeting presided over by the state chief secretary. The government has promised the appointment of immigration officials from the state cadre.

The shortage of immigration agents at Chennai International Airport has been causing delays and passengers often wait for up to three hours before clearing immigration. A senior airport official said the airport needs at least 50 more immigration officials.
Chennai airport director E P Hareendranath said he had notified the immigration authorities concerned and the state government of the shortage of staff. "Considering the staff shortage that delays immigration clearance of passengers, the state government has come forward to assist the airport with more manpower. Additional officials will be deployed soon," he said. "No flight delays have been reported due to the shortage of staff," he said.

The immigration and customs wings have been understaffed at Chennai airport for long despite the growth in passenger traffic. During 2010-11, passenger traffic rose 14% and the total number of passengers is expected to touch 1.31 crore in 2012, up from 1.2 crore this year. "During peak hours, passengers who reach Chennai after traveling many hours have to wait more than an hour in line to have their passports checked. Sometimes there are only a few immigration agents on duty to process hundreds of passengers," an official said.

N Kannan, chief immigration officer at Chennai airport, said they have enough staff. "We are managing passenger traffic with officials from other departments, including Chennai port. Six to 12 terminals are operational. When the new terminal is completed, we will need additional staff," said Kannan.

Airport officials estimate that there will be a need for at least 150 additional staff for immigration clearance in the new terminal. "A minimum of 18 new terminals will be opened soon after airport expansion work," said an official.

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