CISF gears up to plug loopholes in Metro security

In wake of terror attacks in many countries, the Delhi Metro network’s security apparatus is being upgraded across in the national capital region. The Central Industrial Security Force, responsible for the security of the Metro network, has reportedly zeroed in on at least 160 points which could become a serious security hazard. Even a parliamentary panel had pointed out in December that the Delhi Metro was “vulnerable” to terror attacks.

According to the CISF, as many as 89 people were detained for security breaches between January and July 23 this year. These people had sneaked into the Metro premises from the exit without passing through the mandatory security check. During the same period, the CISF personnel also nabbed three persons trying to enter Metro stations with firearms.

The security agencies have earmarked as many as 160 weak points where security could be easily breached. The height of as many as 45 glass partitions is being raised and necessary measures are being taken at 95 other points to cover the deficiencies.

At present, the security agencies are raising the height of glass partitions between the entry gates where passengers are frisked by CISF personnel before gaining entry into the Metro stations.

“At places where height of glass partition is yet to be increased, we have made an alternate arrangement of queue manager system. We are also keeping a strict watch at all these entry points. Armed constables have been deployed behind bullet-proof structures at each entry point in addition to the queue manager system and CCTV surveillance,” a senior CISF officer said.

The CISF has also moved the frisking points far from the entry gates. “We have stretched the ‘paid area’ and have put restrictions on free movement of commuters near them,” the officer said, adding, “We have deployed private security personnel to regulate commuter traffic.”

The security of the Metro network is on top of the DMRC agenda and it said it is trying to sort out all the issues on a priority basis. A senior DMRC officer said: “All the issues raised by the CISF have been taken up by the DMRC with all seriousness. Multiple inspections of the network have been done in association with the CISF and other security agencies. Most of the spots pointed out by them have already been rectified. We are left out with only 20 spots where changes are being effected for effective security mechanism.”

Earlier, the Union urban development ministry had reportedly recommended handing over of the security responsibilities of the Delhi Metro network to the Delhi police instead of the CISF. A senior CISF official said that his force was fully capable to deal with any security threat, adding that it would be difficult for the Delhi police to deal with Metro security due to manpower shortage.

The officer said the CISF was in constant touch with police forces in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida. “All these police forces are taking various pre-emptive steps like anti-sabotage checks in cooperation with the CISF.

To strengthen the security of the Metro stations and to neutralise any terror strike, a proposal for quick response teams at different Metro stations is also under process.”

CISF commandos are trained for anti-terrorism operations. The paramilitary force has also completed 3-D mapping of all the Metro stations to be able to plan strategic evacuation of civilians as well as combat operations in any emergency situation. These commandos are well-equipped with automatic rifles such as AK-47 and MP-5, apart from Glock pistols, and have bullet-proof jackets and helmets for protection.