CISF to take over Delhi Metro's security
The move follows intelligence reports about possible terrorist attacks.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Sunday will take charge of security at the Delhi metro rail, which transports about 500,000 passengers every day and remains a soft terrorist target.
The CISF, which protects sensitive installations like airports and nuclear power plants, will now take over charge of the Metro's security from Delhi Police.
At least 1,633 personnel of the force will be deployed at the 59 stations of the Metro, which covers a distance of 65.1 km across the city. The personnel have been given special training in anti-terrorist operations, anti-sabotage checks, suspect surveillance and safety and disaster management.
"Our focus will be an unobtrusive security system, so our security solutions should be of international standards," Additional Director General Vikram Singh told the media.
"We do not wish to hassle passengers and delay them even though we will make no compromises on security," he added.
Singh also adds that commuters would not feel a major change at the Metro stations, as all the new security measures would be deployed in a phased manner.
The Delhi Metro, the second of its kind in the country after the metro rail in Kolkata, has been placed under high security following intelligence reports about possible terrorist attacks.
"We have provided our personnel special training in hospitality management and you will find our personnel using words like 'thank you', 'excuse me' or 'sorry'" CISF spokesman Vertul Singh told the media.
According to a top CISF official, a new multi-layered security concept will be launched in a phased manner for the Delhi Metro under which passengers will be allowed entry from two channels - red and green.
Explaining the new system, he said intelligent cameras at the stations would closely monitor passengers. These cameras are capable of identifying suspects on the basis of their behaviour.
He said the cameras would also be able to detect unidentified objects lying on the premises. Once passengers get through a security apparatus without triggering an alarm, they would be allowed easy access through the green channel.
Others would have to undergo another level of screening under the red channel and might also have to undergo interrogation when necessary, he added.
The CISF is planning to deploy additional dog squads, explosives detection devices and biometric devices. The number of women constables at stations would also be enhanced.