Back in action, Metro Police ask for reinforcements

For the first time in its history, the Delhi Metro police have asked the headquarters for additional forces to enforce Covid-19 rules with the Centre allowing Metro train operations in a graded manner from September 7.

While the Central Industrial Security Force ensures security from the checking point onwards, the Delhi Police is responsible for security from the entrance to the checking point. So, the Metro Police can also impose fines in their jurisdiction.

Further, the Delhi Police is also responsible for investigating crimes that take place inside
the Metro station premises or trains.

“We have written to the police headquarters to request eight companies of police,” said Jitendra Mani Tripathi, deputy commissioner of police (Metro).

Tripathi said additional forces were necessitated after repeated meetings with other Metro stakeholders — the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the police forces of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

“It was decided that only about 200 metro station gates will be opened, out of around 900. We will have to deploy two to four police personnel at each of these stations to control the crowd,” said the officer.

An increased number of police personnel will also be deployed at 30 busy stations and interchanges, apart from the 23 Metro police booths, which are expected to receive a large number of complaints against passengers not wearing masks or flouting social distancing norms.

“We have also written to the district police to help with deployment outside Metro stations if the situation turns unruly,” said Tripathi.

From March 22 till mid-August, the Metro police have registered just 1,200 cases compared to about 3,000 in the corresponding period last year.