Rajahmundry: Police stepped up vigil at Rajahmundry airport and the passengers are being thoroughly screened before being allowed to board the flight. Both Jet Airways and Spice Jet are operating two each scheduled domestic flights from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry and vice versa per day at present.

The airport is located relatively close to Rampachodavaram agency where the Maoists’ movement is palpable in its interior areas. Once the Maoists are able to cross the agency area by giving a slip to the police, they can reach the airport or Rajahmundry city and can escape to anywhere from here either by road or rail or even by air.

Fortunately, there is no history of the airport being targeted by the Maoists earlier. The airport is well secured. Following the Republic Day scheduled to be observed on January 26, the police are making arrangements to enhance the number of security personnel as a regular exercise and curbs will be imposed on entry of visitors.

North Zone DSP Murali Krishna said, “We have enhanced the vigil at the airport and more number of security personnel are posted to guard it. We are also keeping close watch on passengers and allowing them only after verifying their ID cards.”

Rajahmundry airport director S.V.T. Dhanunjaya Rao said, “We have beefed up security cover in the airport in general and we are awaiting a circular from the civil aviation authority to make more security arrangements for the Republic Day. There will be red alert for a few more days before and after the national event.”