SOURCE: AFI
For the personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other security forces who tirelessly guard India’s borders and critical institutions, a groundbreaking innovation promises enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) in Chennai has developed a fully-indigenous prototype bullet-resistant security booth, unveiled at Aero India. This innovation marks a significant step forward in providing robust protection to security personnel stationed in some of the harshest and most vulnerable environments.
Titled the “High-Velocity Multi-Hit Resistant Movable Protective Booth,” this advanced security solution is designed to withstand the toughest conditions while offering mobility, durability, and affordability. With its debut at Aero India, the booth has already garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize the way security personnel operate in high-risk zones.
The protective booth measures 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft and weighs 1,650 kg, striking a balance between sturdiness and practicality. It is engineered to be bullet-proof and multi-hit resistant, capable of withstanding high-velocity projectiles, including those of 7.62-mm calibre. This makes it an ideal shield for personnel stationed at border outposts, checkpoints, or critical installations, where they often face threats from small arms fire.
One of the standout features of the booth is its mobility. Equipped with movable castor wheels, it can be easily transported and repositioned as needed. Dr. Amar Prakash, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Advanced Protective Structures and Mechanics Laboratory at CSIR-SERC, Chennai, explains, “The booth can be installed and dismantled in just an hour, making it highly practical for field operations.” This feature ensures that security forces can quickly adapt to changing operational requirements without compromising on safety.
Despite its robust construction, the booth provides ample space for personnel to operate comfortably. “The design offers desired protection while allowing security personnel to carry out their duties effectively,” Dr. Prakash adds. This combination of protection and functionality is critical for personnel who often spend long hours in confined spaces, exposed to harsh weather conditions and potential threats.
Priced at Rs 2 lakh, the booth is an affordable solution for large-scale deployment across India’s vast network of border posts and security installations. Its cost-effectiveness, combined with its indigenous design, aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defense and security manufacturing. By developing this booth entirely within India, CSIR-SERC has not only reduced dependency on foreign technology but also tailored the product to meet the specific needs of Indian security forces.
India’s security personnel, often stationed behind sandbags or makeshift shelters, face a range of challenges, from extreme weather conditions to the constant threat of enemy fire. The traditional methods of protection, while effective to some extent, leave much to be desired in terms of comfort, durability, and resistance to sustained attacks. The new bullet-resistant booth addresses these shortcomings by providing a reliable, all-weather protective enclosure that can withstand multiple hits from high-velocity projectiles.
For soldiers and paramilitary personnel guarding remote border areas or critical infrastructure like airports, railway stations, and government buildings, this booth offers a much-needed layer of security. It ensures that they can perform their duties with greater confidence, knowing they are shielded from small arms fire and other threats.
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