CISF to patrol unsafe Metro areas

In the wake of the molestation of a woman scribe of this newspaper at the ITO Metro station, Delhi Metro MD Mangu Singh has ordered the officials to get the critical areas of the stations and parking lots be inspected between 8 pm and 11 pm.

Stating that chances of untoward incidents increase multi- fold during this time, he said that Central Industrial Security Force ( CISF), responsible for metro station premises security, has been told to beef up patrolling, especially at “long corridors” of underground metro stations.

Mr Singh added that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC), CISF and Delhi Police “must enforce and introduce” all security and law and order issues within the premises.

“Surveys are being conducted to identify vulnerable areas of various metro premises and parking lots,” he told this newspaper. His directions include identification of underground metro stations having long corridors and turnings not covered under CCTV surveillance and installing CCTV cameras in the said areas on priority.

The authorities are also exploring a mechanism where the details of an erickshaw driver could be made available so that women commuters feel safe when they hail them.

“Priority parking at metro stations for QR code e- rickshaws may be explored in consultation with Delhi Police,” it added. This facility could be made possible at the 92 metro stations where ‘ halt and go’ facility is available.

During a meeting with all stakeholders, including DMRC officials, the police and the CISF, it has been decided to explore the feasibility of installing “convex mirrors” at turnings in long corridors of the underground metro stations.

“The critical areas of the metro premises will be altered so that the live feed can reach the station control room,” Mr Singh said.

He said the private contractors have been asked to get background verification of the staff deployed at the parking lots. The DMRC officials have been directed to ensure all contractors comply with the contract conditions, proper illumination, staff with police verification in the parking lots etc.

Also, in case of any untoward incidents, the contact details of the concerned station controller will be displayed at the entrance of the parking lots.