The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Metro to step up security in a big way

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 19, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Delhi Metro to step up security in a big way

Staff Reporter

DMRC authorities along with police hold review meeting, bomb disposal teams to be strengthened

Decision to add more door frame metal detectors to the metro system
DMRC has ordered six new baggage scanners which will be used at stations

NEW DELHI: Considered vulnerable to terror attacks, the Delhi Metro railway network will now have a more stringent security mechanism in place. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to step up the number of dog squads, strengthen the bomb disposal teams, and increase the supply of bomb blankets in view of the recent attacks in the Capital.

In a meeting, the DMRC authorities along with the Central Industrial Security Force and the Delhi police took stock of the metro security. The review meeting was attended by DMRC Managing Director E. Sreedharan and CISF Director-General R. K. Das apart from senior Delhi Police officers.

According to DMRC officials, it has been decided to increase the number of dog squads, strengthen the bomb disposal teams, increase the supply of bomb blankets and add more door frame metal detectors to the metro system.

It has also been decided to purchase more powerful searchlights called dragon lights, procure more communication equipment, additional scanners to scan luggage automatically and optimise the requirement of closed-circuit television cameras for Phase-II.

The DMRC has already ordered six new baggage scanners which will be used at stations with a heavy passenger inflow, including New Delhi, Old Delhi, Chawri Bazar and Rajiv Chowk stations among others.

It has also started making preparations to build kennels for the dogs which will be procured by CISF and added to the existing squads used for metro security.

The DMRC will also launch a special drive to promote awareness among commuters. “With eight lakh passengers travelling on the metro everyday, the DMRC has 16 lakh eyes and ears available to them who can look out for any unidentified object or suspicious person indulging in any dangerous activity,” said Dr. Sreedharan.

Pamphlets and films will be used to create public awareness and involve passengers in the safety efforts. In Phase II, the DMRC will install 3,000 closed-circuit television cameras at the stations apart from cameras inside the coaches.

The DMRC will also be removing flowerpots and litter bins from the concourse area of the stations and sensitise the shop owners who are operating inside metro premises about the need to be more vigilant at all times, said a DMRC official.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi