Metro seeks funds for pvt security staff

Day-to-day security of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro-1 seems to be in a lurch. The Metro operator has written to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) citing that the strike by Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) guards would continue up till the first week of October, and has sought funds from the MMRDA for the appointment of private security guards.

The Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), operator of Metro-1, in a recent letter to the MMRDA, said, "Police personnel have been deployed to all Metro stations but they are not undertaking core security functions such as frisking and baggage handling. Police has been deployed to take care of law and order."

The letter further states, "It is reliably learnt that the strike by MSF guards is likely to continue till the first week of October. In their absence, we have to deploy private security personnel to keep Metro operations running. The amount spent by MMOPL on the deployment of these guards be reimbursed by MMRDA."

According to the MMRDA, there are a total of 690 MSF guards deployed at several Metro stations and other places. "We have borne the expense of MSF guards as security is a state subject. For these private security guards expense too, an appropriate decision would be taken," said a MMRDA official.

Meanwhile, MMOPL spokesperson, said, "Security is being managed by private security guards in conjunction with police personnel. Security function is continuing smoothly in the absence of guards. We had made alternative arrangements which are still in place with no disruption in service or inconvenience."

On strike

MSF guards have been on strike for more than a week owing to their demands of granting police status to MSF guards
Currently, security is managed by non-striking guards, private security personnel and police