Hubballi Airport gets state's first mobile crisis command vehicle

Hubballi: A mobile command post (MCP) vehicle has been deployed at Hubballi airport to respond to emergencies and facilitate rescue operations such as a crash or hijacking.

Hubballi airport is the first in the state under Airports Authority of India (AAI) to have this facility.

Rupesh Kumar, the director of Hubballi airport, told TOI the mobile vehicle has a seating capacity of about 10 and costs Rs 87 lakh, which has been borne by (AAI).

Currently, AAI owns and operates four airports in Karnataka: Belagavi, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru. Of these, Hubballi handles the highest number of passengers. That is why it was chosen as the first airport for MCP deployment.

Equipped with advanced communication and coordination systems, the vehicle functions as a meeting point for officials to make quick decisions during emergencies.

Authorities said MCP would help streamline coordination among agencies during crisis situations when it is difficult for officials to operate from their regular offices.

360-degree view

MCP is equipped with very high frequency (UHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) communication facilities. It can maintain constant contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), fire brigade, and airport security personnel. It is equipped with satellite links and high-speed WiFi for internet connectivity to ensure seamless communication even in areas where there is no phone network.

There are huge video walls and multiple monitors inside the vehicle, which broadcast CCTV feeds and drone images live, giving the authorities a 360-degree view of the airport and its adjoining areas.