CISF to set up direct helpline for Metro commuters

Apart from introducing a host of new security gadgets and increasing manpower to safeguard the Delhi Metro network,the Central Industrial Security Force has decided to set up its own dedicated security helpline for commuters,so that commuters can directly alert them of any security apprehensions.

Apart from introducing a host of new security gadgets and increasing manpower to safeguard the Delhi Metro network,the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has decided to set up its own dedicated security helpline for commuters,so that commuters can directly alert them of any security apprehensions.

Senior CISF officials on Monday said,currently,security-related grievances were routed to them through Delhi metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). This process leads to delays and often loses its purpose. The new helpline number,which would become operational by April,would help CISF get its eyes and ears on the high-threat perception Metro network, a senior CISF official said.

A regular commuter is also security conscious; and the new helpline number would help us receive first-hand passenger feedback and also be alerted about any potential security threat on the network it would work on the lines of Delhi Polices eyes and ears initiative, he said.

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Commemorating the 43rd CISF Raising Day,Director General Rajiv said,We will introduce more pervasive security gadgets like X-ray scanners and CCTV cameras in view of the increasing footfalls in the Delhi Metro.

The CISF would also deploy 552 additional women personnel on the network,in view of the rise in footfall at Metro stations,CISF Additional DG R R Verma said.

At present,close to 5,000 CISF personnel guard the 134 Metro stations and,according to the force,these stations see an average footfall of 19 lakh passengers every day.

Meanwhile,in airports across the country,the CISF recovered unattended property worth

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Rs 18 crore in 2011 and handed it over to the owners or the airport operators. At the Delhi Airport alone,unattended property worth Rs 1.34 crore was handed over to their owners,whereas unclaimed property worth Rs 1.49 crore was handed over to airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited,officials said.

The CISF said the much-awaited Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) at the IGI Airport has also been put for trials and is expected to be made operational soon. Special DG (Airports) Arun Chaudhary said the force is installing the new gadgets with the help of the airport operators and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

In all,the paramilitary force recruited more than 15,000 personnel in 2011,and is set to have a Dog Training School in Ranchi in 2012. On increasing manpower in the 1.57-lakh strong force,Rajiv said the force was taking steps to fill about 2,500 vacancies in the constabulary.

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