CISF to take over security of Mumbai port

“The entire security of the port will be under the unified command of CISF,” the official said, pointing out that Mumbai was the only major port among the 12 along the country’s coastline that did not have a CISF security cover.

He said about 500 CISF personnel will be deployed for port security. “At present, we have about 500 personnel in our security department along with about 200 police personnel,” he said. “Once the CISF takes over, we are planning to re-deploy our personnel in other departments and estates. They’ll be used for watch and ward in our colonies and estates. The role of the police personnel would be limited to only handling law and order,” he said.

After the terror attacks, the MbPT has kept only one gate open for entry and exit of vehicles to restrict traffic and enhance better monitoring. The gate kept open is accessible from Carnac Bunder (near Masjid), which is the midpoint of the docks. Officials say it is to discourage vehicular traffic that used to enter the docks at the gate at “G” shed, Princess Dock (north gate to the docks) and exit at Green Gate, Indira Dock at Ballard Pier (in south Mumbai), to avoid traffic on arterial roads like the P’Dmello Road and Dr Ambedkar Road.

On Wednesday, 14 out of the 29 berths were occupied in Indira Dock; 56 out of 58 in Princess and Victoria Docks; and four out of six in Jawahar Dweep. Officials feel that the taking over of the security by the CISF would enhance the security environment. They pointed out that the CISF personnel were better trained and would be rotated every three years, thereby ensuring that no vested interest develop.