BIA introduces E-Gates for Faster, Smarter Border Clearance
New Automated Border Control Gates (e-gates) system is set to operate at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), enabling travellers faster, smarter and more secure travel following the completion of installations four more departure gates and IT/ OT ( operational technology) integration, the Ministry of Ports and Aviation said.
Four e-gates have been installed at the arrival terminal and are now ready for use by Sri Lankan passport holders to provide faster, smarter, and more secure immigration clearance. However, passengers still need to get a physical stamp on their passports, adding a step to the process until the Immigrants and Emigrants Act is amended, a senior official of the ministry disclosed.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the installation of an additional four e-gates this week for the departure terminal, scheduled for installation by 2026 to ensure a unified system and further enhance efficiency. The entire e-gate project is part of a broader airport modernisation initiative funded by a 1,170 million yen grant (US$ 7.49 million or Rs 2.32 billion) from the Japanese government and implemented in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Although the project was initiated in 2017, it was not implemented due to various reasons and four years later bids were called to award the tender for four e-gates, two at the arrival terminal and another two at the departures terminal on December 15, 2021 with four suppliers submitting their bids.
The awarding of the tender dragged for some time due to technical evaluation and the other tender procedures.
Bids were called in December 2021, and the contract was awarded to the highest bidder in July 2022 at a price of Rs. 430 million during the previous regime, a decision that raised some concerns as significantly lower bids were reportedly rejected.
The project’s implementation was delayed again due to various administrative and technical challenges, including the need for e-passport integration and legal changes to forgo physical passport stamping,
The long-delayed project of installing e-gates at the BIA as one of the solutions to passenger congestion has been expedited under the present government, the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry revealed adding that entire procurement process had been reviewed by a special committee.
It has fast-tracked approval processes, enhance inter-agency coordination, and incorporate localised solutions that align with international standards.
The Japanese grant is expected to equip the BIA with advanced baggage scanners, full-body scanners, automated border control (ABC) gates with facial recognition, and e-passport scanners, alongside renovations like touchless washrooms. The automatic arrival gates, part of this initiative, are set for operational use soon, enabling faster, contactless immigration for eligible passengers. The new departure gates will mirror this system, allowing “more efficient and correct” clearance, the Cabinet statement said.
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