: Mumbai, September 16, 2025

In a significant stride towards self-reliance and enhanced trade security, the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of India’s first indigenously developed Drive-Through Cargo Scanner (ICS) was held today at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva. The project, a collaborative effort between the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and JNCH under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), underscores India’s commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The ceremony was graced by Special Secretary & Member, CBIC, Shri Yogendra Garg as Chief Guest, along with Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone-II, Shri Vimal Kumar Srivastava; Chairman, JNPA, Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh and Director (BTDG), BARC, Shri Martin Mascarenhas.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Secretary & Member, CBIC, Shri Yogendra Garg said that the Bhoomi Poojan was not just about breaking ground but about laying the foundation for a stronger, self-reliant and secure India. He highlighted that the ICS, equipped with dual X-ray, AI and machine learning, will be capable of scanning up to 80 containers per hour, revolutionizing the trade ecosystem and ushering in an era of security, efficiency and transparency in India’s ports.

Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone-II, Shri Vimal Kumar Srivastava stated that with a capacity four times higher than previous scanners, the ICS transforms cargo inspection into a catalyst for efficiency. He said the seamless integration of AI, ML, and OCR with risk management systems will reduce dwell time, cut costs, and strengthen India’s fight against smuggling while boosting competitiveness.

Director (BTDG), BARC, Shri Martin Mascarenhas underlined that what began as high-energy accelerator research at BARC has evolved into a world-class cargo scanning technology, demonstrating how India’s scientific ecosystem delivers cutting-edge national security solutions.

Developed under a Memorandum of Understanding between BARC and JNCH, the ICS leverages dual-energy X-ray technology with AI/ML for material discrimination. With a throughput of 60–80 trucks per hour, it meets stringent international standards for image quality. Integrated with CBIC’s Risk Management System (RMS) and platforms like ICEGATE, it will enable real-time data sharing and facilitate faster customs clearances.

Senior officials from CBIC, DRI, DGGI, DoL, NCTC, CISF, DG Shipping, state police, representatives of Partner Government Agencies (CDSCO, FSSAI, WCCB, Plant Quarantine, Animal Quarantine, Textile Committee), and trade stakeholders including terminals, CFSs, shipping lines, importers, and exporters were present at the ceremony.

The ICS is expected to slash dwell times, reduce operational costs by up to 50%, and minimize manpower needs through automated threat detection. The initiative is a cornerstone of Make in India and Ease of Doing Business, with future plans to deploy similar systems across Indian ports, in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Preeti Malandkar

 

 

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