A new software is being designed by e-government officials in Bahrain to expand the number of e-gates at Bahrain International Airport.

Two e-gates in the arrivals area were officially launched earlier this year.

These gates will be replaced with new ones and two e-gates will be installed in the departures area as well, said Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) president Mohammed Al Amer.

Another e-gate will also be installed at the fast track counter at the airport, he told the Gulf Daily News.

’The equipment has already arrived in Bahrain,’ said Al Amer.

’A new software is being designed so as to operate the e-gates in a very efficient way.

’The work is jointly done by the CIO, E-Government Agency and the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR). The project is expected to be completed in three months.’

The e-gates have made Bahraini passengers’ travel easier and smoother.

’The service is now available only to Bahraini passengers who carry a smartcard. Passports are being replaced by smartcards at the e-gates,’ said Al Amer.

’The GDNPR is studying a plan to make the services available to expatriate residents in Bahrain in the near future.’

The introduction of e-gates marked a major milestone in Bahrain’s e-government technology, said Al Amer.

’The e-gate service depends on smartcard identification system and fingerprints identification to carry out procedures for passengers,’ he added.

’The system provides the option to either go through normal gates or the new electronic gates which save time and effort.

’One of the most important features of the e-gate is that it is provided free of charge comparing to other GCC countries which have imposed some fees for the same type of service.’

Al Amer said the launch of the e-gate is a qualitative move and a distinct achievement of Bahrain, mainly in the field of smartcard which has won several awards.

The awards include the Leadership Award for the best electronic identity card system in the Middle East and the E-government Award for the best project at the Asian level in the largest exhibition and conference for information technology and communications in India.

Al Amer attributed the success to the one-team spirit prevailing among the various government entities.

’This exceptional distinction makes us proud when we look at the implementation of such national projects which are aimed at supporting government services, easing the burdens on citizens and promoting the name of Bahrain internationally,’ he added.

’The e-gate is one of the numerous applications of the multiple identity card. ’The CIO shall work tirelessly for the next phase to add more applications to the electronic identity card with the use of the most advanced technology.’ - TradeArabia News service