CISF first CAPF to go cashless for fuel needs, to save Rs 12 lakh annually

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...el-needs-to-save-rs-12-lakh-annually-4501031/

CISF first CAPF to go cashless for fuel needs, to save Rs 12 lakh annually

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative called 'Fleet Management System' was signed between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and the CISF, which was led by Director General O P Singh.

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:January 31, 2017 7:04 pm


The CISF on Tuesday inked a pact with the IOCL to initiate a first-ever cashless system of fuel procurement in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), a step which is expected to save an estimated Rs 12 lakh per annum for the force tasked to secure country’s vital installations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative called ‘Fleet Management System’ was signed between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and the CISF, which was led by Director General O P Singh. “The new cashless system will reduce operating costs and overheads, increase efficiency and simplify back-office functions.

“The economies offered through this programme not only will have an important bearing on the day to day operations of CISF but also benefit the govt exchequer significantly,” a senior official said, adding the initiative will begin from tomorrow.


The official said the paramilitary spends about Rs 50 lakh per month to run an estimated 800 vehicles of different variants across the country and the initiative will help it save funds to the tune of at least Rs 12 lakh per year. “This is a step where we work to conform to the national objective of conducting cashless and digital transactions. The initiative will lead to better fleet management and saving of money,” Singh said.


“Petroleum, oils and lubricants will be drawn from IOCL outlets and twin financial benefits of 1.35 per cent IOCL incentive and 0.75 per cent of government initiative will accrue.


“In real-time fleet metric analysis, this translates to saving of minimum Rs 12 lakh for the exchequer besides the ease of cashless transaction,” the official added. The 1.47 lakh personnel-strong force is tasked with the security of vital installations like civil airports and those in the nuclear and aerospace domain. The Central Industrial Security Force works under the command of the Union Home Ministry and its sister forces include the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
01-February, 2017 17:12 IST
Band display and retreat ceremony to be conducted at National Police Memorial every Saturday

The Special Secretary (IS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Shri Mahesh Kumar Singla chaired a meeting of all the stakeholders involved in construction and managing of National Police Memorial at Chanakyapuri here today. The meeting was attended by the representatives of all the Central Armed Police Forces including Delhi Police and others.

During the meeting, it was decided that every Saturday a band display as well as retreat ceremony will be conducted at the site befitting to pay homage and respect to the martyrs. The task has been assigned month-wise to all the Central Armed Police Forces. In February, 2017, this event will be conducted by Border Security Force (BSF) starting from 11.02.2017 (Saturday) and then every following Saturday of the week. The timings will be from 4.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. subject to the change depending upon timing of sun set.

The other issues related to boundary wall of the Memorial, final sculpture to be erected and as well as police museum, which will be constructed at the site, were also discussed during the meeting.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/597895/hand-baggage-tags-7-airports.html

New Delhi, Feb 23, 2017, PTI

The Civil Aviation Ministry today decided to do away with security stamp on hand baggage tags at seven airports but the move appeared to have run into rough weather with CISF opposing its immediate execution.

In a circular today, civil aviation security regulator BCAS said the system of putting security stamp on hand baggage tags would be immediately done away with at seven airports -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Cochin.

However, officials at CISF, which secures most of the airports, said the force may not be able to undertake the directive on an "immediate basis". "A trial run was conducted by the CISF at few airports to see if hand baggage tags could be done away with. The trial was found to be successful but a feedback was drawn which required deployment of requisite security gadgets, CCTVs and smart cameras in the airports terminal before such an initiative can take off.

"Such infrastructure deployment is yet not complete at many airports, including some large ones," a senior CISF official said. Last year, the authorities had started trial run with respect to doing away with security stamp on hand baggage tags at these seven airports.

BCAS said it is pertinent to mention that the trial run for the same has already been successfully conducted in two phases after putting in place the requisite surveillance and monitoring system.

About the circular, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, "We expect considerable improvement in security check time and passenger experience with this change".

A Civil Aviation Ministry official said the circular would be applicable for domestic as well as international passengers. BCAS has also said that airport operator shall ensure that the requisite monitoring system is maintained all through at PESC (Pre-embarkation Security Check) points.

While BCAS said the circular would be effective immediately, CISF officials said that during a meeting of aviation regulators, airport operators and the CISF, it was decided that such measures should be deployed by March 31 so that all airports can be brought under the new initiative.

Moreover, CISF is yet to receive an official copy of the circular, they added.

 

[Hindustani78]

CISF Director General O P Singh said the force was testing and analysing a plethora of smart gadgets like full body scanners and smart CCTVs to make air travel more "secure, safe and easy."

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ree-but-strong-cisf-director-general-4558909/

The CISF Director General said the force has written to airport operators and other government agencies to get bullet-proof and armoured vehicles for its quick reaction teams, stationed at these facilities for counter-terror tasks. (File)

The CISF is working to make security processes at airports “simple and hassle-free” as it prepares to build an effective defence framework to thwart possible terror threats, including lone wolf attacks, at these facilities. Addressing the annual press conference in New delhi on the occasion of its 48th Raising Day on March 10, CISF Director General O P Singh said the force was testing and analysing a plethora of smart gadgets like full body scanners and smart CCTVs to make air travel more “secure, safe and easy.”

He said the force has been mandated by the government to take over security duties of all civil airports of the country in the near future. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) presently guards 59 airports, including the most sensitive ones at Delhi and Mumbai, and at least 39 more are in the offing.

“We are witnessing rapid changes world over when it comes to security of places like airports or Delhi Metro, which is used by lakhs of people every day. We are working to enhance passenger experience and ensure some simple but engaging processes for security, especially at the airports,” Singh said.

He said the 1.45 lakh-strong force will “network and integrate” the security paraphernalia, including bolstering of manpower, and a concept paper or white paper to standardise security protocols of this sector is being prepared.

On being asked whether lone wolf attacks was a potential threat to airport security, Singh said, “All the security concerns like behavioural analysis and situational awareness, including the one you pointed out will be included in the concept paper.”

The CISF Director General said the force has written to airport operators and other government agencies to get bullet-proof and armoured vehicles for its quick reaction teams, stationed at these facilities for counter-terror tasks.

The force is provided with all gadgets, weapons and vehicles by the client firm or the entity where it is deployed. Singh said the electronic perimeter intrusion detection systems deployed at large airports like Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are being analysed and fine-tuned to ensure fool proof security.

“Around 600-700 false alarms are given by this system in a year at certain locations,” he said, adding the force is consulting various stakeholders to get these machines function without an error.

“Such technical gadgets will not be used unless we are 100 per cent sure about them,” he said. Singh said CISF was “experimenting” with various designs of full-body scanners at present so that they can be deployed at the airports at the earliest.

 

[Hindustani78]

All officers in the force, which has a strength of 1.45 lakh personnel, have been instructed to be more interactive with the men and women under their command.(HT Photo)

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Reception on the occasion of 48th Anniversary of the Raising of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), in New Delhi on March 09, 2017. The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/pm-narendra-modi-greets-cisf-on-raising-day_1985128.html

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on its 48th Raising Day and hailed it for securing the country's key establishments.

"Greetings to the CISF on their 48th Raising Day. This dynamic force plays a vital role in securing key units and establishments across India," Modi said on Twitter.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also greeted the force for its role in safeguarding the citizens and important installations.

Raised in 1969, CISF currently provides security cover to nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive government buildings and heritage monuments and the Delhi Metro.

First Published: Friday, March 10, 2017 - 12:41

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
10-March, 2017 15:03 IST
Shri Kiren Rijiju addresses the 48th CISF Day Parade

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju has commended the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for its diverse role in securing vital installations and national assets. Addressing the 48th CISF Day Parade in Ghaziabad today, Shri Rijiju said the CISF contingent deployed under the UN Flag helped conduct peaceful Presidential elections in afar Haiti during November 2016. The CISF is also deployed at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, he said.

From a modest beginning in 1969, Shri Rijiju said, the CISF today secures Government buildings and provides security to most of high risk installations such as the airports, harbours, atomic power plants and space research facilities. He said that providing foolproof security to Delhi Metro, which records a ridership of more than 30 lakh passengers everyday, for a decade, is a big achievement. CISF is also providing security to 78 VVIPs presently, he added. Shri Rijiju also congratulated the Force personnel for bagging the Best Marching Contingent Trophy during this year’s Republic Day Parade.

In his address, Director General, CISF, Shri OP Singh said the CISF security at many Indian airports has been adjudged among best in the world by the Brussels based Airport Council International.

On the occasion, Shri Rijiju presented medals to the CISF personnel. He reviewed the Parade and took salute of the March Past.

****

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju inspecting the parade during the 48th CISF Day Parade, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2017. The Director General, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh is also seen.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju taking salute during the 48th CISF Day Parade, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a group photograph with the medal winners during the 48th CISF Day Parade, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2017. The Director General, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
11-April, 2017 16:02 IST
Shortage of CAPF Personnel

Two additional Reserve Battalions have been sanctioned to CISF in June, 2016. Further, Government has recently (December, 2016) increased the ceiling of strength of CISF from 1,45,000 to 1,80,000. The requirement of manpower for expansion/new induction is met from this enhanced strength on need basis.

CISF is deployed for security of Delhi Metro Rail only and not at any other Metro. At present there is no proposal for creation of a separate battalion of CISF for providing security at Metro rail stations.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to question by Shri Ram Charitra Nishad in the Lok Sabha today.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

The new Special Tactics Training Wing of the CISF that will be inaugurated on Saturday in Hyderabad. PTI Photo

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/608733/cisf-trains-commandos-precision-firing.html

Counter-terror commando teams of the CISF deployed at airports are being trained in special combat skills with a stress on precision firing to quickly pin down terrorists in case of an attack.

The force has introduced some new training capsules for its Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) that are deployed at 59 civil airports, including in Mumbai and Delhi, to sharpen reflexes of the men and women who are the first responders in case of a terror attack.

"We have decided to professionalise our Quick Reaction Teams by giving more emphasis on their firing skill and tactical drills that will sharpen their reflexes. The idea is to make these special teams more capable to respond to any threat that emerges at airports," CISF Director General O P Singh told PTI.

The force has created a special school for this purpose, called the Special Tactics and Training Wing (STTW), at its training academy in Hyderabad.

Th DG said the first teams to get training at the STTW will be those from the airport QRTs. They will be followed by the special squads deployed to secure the Delhi Metro and other critical infrastructures.

A senior trainer at the STTW said the commandos will now be trained in 'free flow' and 'rolling assault' techniques that enable a small armed team to take on multiple opponents in a large area like an airport terminal.

This means, the trainer said, that a compact commando team can effectively hold the fort and eliminate the threat by using accurate firing skills.

At sensitive facilities like airports, every bullet counts and every bullet fired should find its target, he said.
The DG said authorisations have also been issued recently to enhance the duration of firing practice of QRT commandos so that they remain confident and agile on the trigger and with their every move.

The aim, the training officer said, is to prepare the teams up to a level that in case of a terrorist attack or hostage-like situation at airports, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) teams present on the ground are able to neutralise the enemy even before special forces like the NSG arrive.

The officer said the age-old technique of taking aim with one eye closed have been replaced with the one in which the commandos are being trained to shoot keeping both their eyes open so that their field of view is panoramic and they can assess a trouble situation in a better fashion.

These are some of the new combat and counter-terror techniques that special commando forces are undertaking world over. The CISF has adopted these new skills, the officer said.

The force has also decided to keep the age-profile of the commando teams young and will provide them with a new design of dungarees which can hold more weapons and tools required by a commando to undertake intervention and rescue tasks.

Singh, who will inaugurate the STTW in Hyderabad tomorrow, has sanctioned twice a month firing practice for these personnel deployed at the hyper-sensitive airports like that in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad from critical aerospace and nuclear installations under its security umbrella.

Having good physical fitness will be a target that commandos will have to ensure each and every time. They are already being trained in unarmed combat skills, martial arts and 'Parkour', a military obstacle training course done with bare hands, the officer said.

While the CISF QRT commando teams use the AK series of assault rifles and Glock pistols for firing, they will be provided with modern smoke grenades and similar ammunition that wreaks less damage to the surroundings and neutralises the target with minimum collateral damage at places like airports.

The about 1.47-lakh personnel strong force is observing 2017 as the year of training as it had got over 20,000 fresh recruits in its rank this year and has decided to give a special impetus to training of its QRT teams that secure vital locations.

 

[Hindustani78]

OUR HEROS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN THE CALL OF DUTY
http://www.cisf.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/CISF_Martyrs1.pdf

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
05-June, 2017 19:01 IST
MoU signed between Central Industrial Security Force & National Skill Development Corporation

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) & National Skill Development Fund (NSDF), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here today. The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju were also present during the occasion.

Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy hailed the signing of the MoU between the two Ministries. He said that skill development has increased the employability among the youth. He said that the system in the country needs to be such that it gives enough importance to the skills possessed by any individual and the policies are framed accordingly. He added that many skills are in huge demand world over and our youth can tap this opportunity, if groomed properly. He also suggested to CAPFs that aspirational values need to be added to the designations in the system, which will act as an encouragement to the individuals.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that India can become a world power if youth of the country develop the attitude towards skill development. He expressed happiness that in the last two and half years, skill development has led to employment of large number of youth in different areas, thereby strengthening India by skill development. He said that it has brought a revolution under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The signing of today’s agreement has added a new chapter to it, he added. He said that the dignity of labour and value of hard work is losing importance in the country, which needs to be addressed and the attitude towards labour needs to be changed. He said that hard work and dedication are the most important factors in skill development. He also expressed his faith in the success of outcome of this agreement. He said CAPFs, when given any Government programme for implementation, have executed in a very speedy and efficient manner, for example: Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Digital Payment initiative. He also added that there is no dearth of skills in India and skills need to be given importance along with degrees to attract youth towards developing their skills.

Shri O. P. Singh, DG, CISF, in his welcome address stressed that this project will help families of CISF personnel. Simultaneously, CISF would be contributing majorly in enhancing the skilling initiative and potential. He said that CISF has taken skill development has a new challenge.

Dr. K.P. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that skill development is a challenge that India needs to be addressed very seriously because India is a younger nation and a lot of youth enter the work force every month. That is why a separate Ministry has been created for the purpose of providing skills to youth for employability, he added.

The MoU provides that CISF, NSDC and NSDF shall work together at CISF units all across the country where Family Welfare Centres are functional and other CISF locations with an objective to impart skill development programs under the Skill India Mission for the purpose of implementation of CISF Multi Skill Development Institute Projects.

The MoU aims at assisting retiring/retired, serving low medical category (LMC) CISF personnel to acquire additional skills and facilitate their resettlement through a second career. It will also provide welfare to wards, family members of serving CISF personnel, retired personnel and personnel killed in action. Skill Development would go a long way towards supporting gainful employment and at the same time would contribute towards nation building.

The MoU shall remain in effect for a period of 5 years (starting from 5th June, 2017 till 5th June, 2022), subject to a mid-term review after 3 years.

DGs of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship were also present.

*****

The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, at the signing of MoU between CISF and NSDC, in New Delhi on June 05, 2017. The DG, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. K.P. Krishnan are also seen.

The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju witnessing the exchange of MoU between CISF and NSDC, in New Delhi on June 05, 2017.

The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy addressing at the signing of MoU between CISF and NSDC, in New Delhi on June 05, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, the DG, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. K.P. Krishnan are also seen.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju addressing at the signing of MoU between CISF and NSDC, in New Delhi on June 05, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, the DG, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. K.P. Krishnan are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Kendriya Vidyalaya, CISF, Kunda, in Jaipur on June 24, 2017.

The Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore addressing at the inauguration of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, CISF, Kunda, in Jaipur on June 24, 2017.

The Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at the inauguration of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, CISF, Kunda, in Jaipur on June 24, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

NEW DELHI: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to get a shot in the arm for enhanced security at IGI airport and Delhi Metro with the help of sophisticated portable gadgets that will help them detect contraband and explosive devices. Moreover, the personnel will also get body-worn cameras to allow them to take pictures of the security check.


Apart from the gadgets, special tubular shooting ranges have been acquired to help CISF personnel train in the usage of small arms ranging from pistols and MP-5s to assault weapons like AK-47s and carbines.


CISF officials said the technology will be implemented shortly at both the airport and Delhi Metro. The body-worn cameras will be used on a trial basis to capture both images as well as audio to get footage of anyone being frisked or checked. The equipment will also be used during VIP security, especially at public gatherings.

The handheld explosives and contraband detection devices can perform a dual role. They will not only be able to detect IEDs when coming in contact with a bag or passenger, but will automatically sound an alarm and display the explosives and contraband on the LED display to show their location.

“Any trace or particles of an explosive device or drugs can be detected by this device just by touching the bag or the body of a passenger,“ said a senior CISF official. CISF DG, O P Singh, said, “These sophisticated gadgets will help add cutting edge to the technology at hand and help in providing better security . They will be put into effect very soon. In addition, two tubular shooting ranges have been acquired to help provide training to CISF personnel for VIP security and for high-security places like the airport.“

The security force is observing 2017 as `Year of Training'.

Officials said tubular shooting ranges will help improve operation efficiency and preparedness of the force. “A variety of guns can be used at the ranges to shoot at moving as well as static targets. The distance can vary from 10 metres to 300 metres,“ said the official.

The equipment procured for Delhi airport, Metro and VIP security will soon be put in place at other installations and airports across the country in a phased manner, officials said.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-gadgets-to-bolster-airport-security-4840335/

"The proposal talks about reducing about 3,000 CISF security personnel from airport security duties, and they will be replaced by smart and analytical gadgetry, CCTV cameras and other surveillance tools," a senior home ministry official said.

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:September 12, 2017 6:43 pm

CISF personnel deployed outside the airport. (Express photo by Oinam Anand)

A new proposal to bolster security at country’s major civil airports by “rationalising” about 3,000 CISF personnel and substituting them by high-end surveillance gadgets is being reviewed by the government for possible implementation, official sources today said.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) here has prepared a voluminous blueprint on reducing the number of security personnel in a clutch of “non-sensitive duties” at airports and use them for other important security tasks. The proposal, after review by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has now been sent to the Union home ministry for final deliberations and approval.

The concept paper of the plan, accessed by the PTI, talks about “rationalising” and “reducing” the security personnel from non-sensitive duties like manning unused transit gates at airports, passenger queue management, manning air traffic control (ATC) gates and similar administrative tasks. “The proposal talks about reducing about 3,000 CISF security personnel from airport security duties, out of the total about 27,000, and they will be replaced by smart and analytical gadgetry, CCTV cameras and other surveillance tools,” a senior home ministry official, privy to the contents of the proposal, said. Such processes, with the aid of smart security gadgets, are deployed for aviation security across the globe, the official said.

Smart surveillance systems, he said, are the need of the hour at Indian airports, given their vulnerability against terror threats. The official said the CISF conducted a full ground survey, at all the 59 civil airports it guards, for preparing the proposal. It was important to undertake such a study and survey as the government has embarked on a multi-tier plan to effectively secure airports against the threats of terrorism and hijacks, he said. The official added the manpower that is “rationalised” or is rendered free as a result of the implementation of the proposal can be used to secure those civil airports that will come under the CISF security cover in the coming days.

“Increasing manpower is not the solution to bolster airport security but using technology to act as force multiplier is the answer,” he said. The recent decision to do away with the stamping of commuters’ hand baggage tags at airports has also propelled the new security mechanism where a task done by a security personnel can be performed by smart CCTV cameras and other gadgets, the official said.

The government has already begun the process to create a uniform security platform for all airports, including the 45 which were added under a new regional connectivity scheme. Out of the 98 functional airports in the country, 59 are under the CISF cover. Twenty-six of them, including Delhi’s and Mumbai’s, are in the hyper-sensitive category.

Of these hyper-sensitive airports, 18 are under the CISF cover, while six like Srinagar and Imphal, are being guarded by the CRPF or the state police. Under the sensitive category, there are 56 airports out of which only 37 are under the CISF cover. The list of airports has gone up to 143 with the inclusion of 45 small airports after the launch of regional connectivity scheme, named ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ (Udan). The ‘Udan’ scheme was launched early this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an aim to provide air connectivity to small cities.