Delhi Metro vulnerable to terror attacks: Parliamentary panel

NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary panel has felt there is an urgent need to strengthen the security of the Delhi Metro to neutralise the possibility of any terrorist strike as the capital's mass rapid transport system is vulnerable to attacks.

It also suggested that the visibility of Delhi Police in the Delhi Metro stations must be substantially increased.

"The committee observes that about 25 lakh commuters travel through metro rail daily in Delhi and in view of the prevailing security scenario in the country, metro rail in Delhi appears to be vulnerable to man-made disasters or terrorist attack," the department-related Parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs said in its 189 report.

The panel recommended that Delhi Police should continue to take pre-emptive steps to guard Delhi Metro against any causality or strike.

"Delhi Police should be in close coordination with Central Industrial Security Force to provide appropriate security without any possibility of lapse. Deployment of Delhi Police staff at more Metro stations may also be examined," it said.

The ridership of Delhi Metro has already touched 26 lakh. As crowd density at Metro station at any given point of time is very high, hence it is a potential target for the terrorist activity. At present, there are eight Metro Police stations to look after the law and order, crime and security of the area, it said.

Delhi Police is taking various pre-emptive steps like anti-sabotage check in cooperation with CISF. To strengthen the security of the Metro stations and to neutralise a terrorist strike, a proposal for Quick Response Teams at different metro stations is also under process, the Committee said.

Besides this, process to install CCTV camera at parking lots and other areas of Metro stations has also been initiated. The manpower proposal for the creation of 2,088 posts for eight existing metro stations is part of the 17 proposals sent to Ministry of Finance for approval.

These booths at the metro stations are already in operation at Rajiv Chowk metro station and Chandi Chowk metro station where staff from Metro Police station is being deployed.

"There is also a proposal for creation of six new Metro Police stations for the metro stations coming up in the Phase-III of Delhi Metro. A close coordination with CISF is being maintained by the Delhi Police. Delhi Police presence has been increased at Metro stations," the report said.