MHA approves creation of two new battalions; total personnel strength to touch 2 lakh

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday approved the creation of two new battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), giving a major boost to India’s security infrastructure.

This expansion, coupled with the recently sanctioned Mahila Battalion, is set to increase the CISF’s overall strength to 2 lakh personnel.

The approval, aimed at augmenting the CISF’s operational capacity and enhancing national security, authorizes the recruitment of 2,050 personnel across various ranks. Each battalion will consist of 1,025 personnel and will be commanded by a Senior Commandant-level officer. With this addition, the total number of CISF battalions will increase from 13 to 15.


The CISF provides security to critical infrastructure such as airports, metro networks, and power plants. In November last year, the government had sanctioned the first-ever all-women CISF reserve battalion comprising more than 1,000 personnel.

The reserve battalions will act as a pool of trained personnel equipped to handle urgent induction requirements for internal security operations, according to an official release.

The additional battalions will also improve the CISF's ability to respond swiftly during emergencies. Equipped with advanced transport fleets and modern weaponry, the dedicated reserve units will enable faster deployment and better management of crises, ensuring enhanced public safety and security.

This expansion is expected to significantly reduce the workload on existing CISF personnel.

In addition to bolstering security, the creation of these battalions will generate employment for over 2,000 individuals, contributing to economic growth and job creation.