Bangalore metro security: All talk, and no action

Security still remains a concern when it comes to Bangalore Metro. Till date, there have only been discussions pertaining to security; however, no measures have been put in place to increase security.

This could pose serious threats because Bangalore Metro is an obvious target for any anti-social group. Now that the entire Reach 1 from Byappanahalli to MG Road is gearing for the launch, things could only get worse, as the announcement for the launch of commercial operations of the Metro would come in any day, post the safety certification. On the d-day, there would be several high-profile guests, including the country’s prime minister.

However, as of now, no steps have been taken to have a strong security in place.

Earlier, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) had requested the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the state police to take charge of Metro’s security. Although no decision was made on who will guard the Metro, it seems that the state police will take a call on this matter. BMRCL spokesperson said that the onus is entirely on the state police now. CISF did a security audit during March and submitted audit reports to the Centre in June. But there was a proposition of having a Karnataka Industrial Security Force (KISF) on the lines of CISF, which will guard the Metro. However, CISF spokesperson told DNA that talks are on about the formation of KISF but again no decision has been taken yet. There will be mix of city armed reserve and city police to protect the Metro premises. Frisking will be carried out if need be.

The BMRCL has received directions from the Centre to pull out any maps of stations or premises from their website or office, which contains any blueprint of the stations that can facilitate miscreants to plot evil plans.

A BMRCL official told DNA that there are no details of dimensions of station interiors on the website. He also said that the BMRCL keeps monitoring people entering its headquarters and other sites.