22 December,2010 07:49 AM IST | | Surender Sharma
Terror threat and proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport had suggested CISF would be roped in
The mystery over who will man the Airport Metro Line security is over. The concessionaire has decided to engage two private agencies for the security of Airport Line.
A Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMPEL) official who wished not to be identified shared this information with MiD DAY.
"Initially, security guards deployed at the stations would be sourced from two agencies, SIS and Securitas, both private agencies. With regard to the critical junctions, we are in talks with the home ministry. Final plan will come out very soon," said the official.
It will be for the first time in the country that a Metro Line's security is handed over to a private firm. As per the agreement, the concessionaire is empowered to engage the CISF or other approved security agency to provide qualified staff and security equipment for the operation of DMRC security procedure for passengers and baggage entering stations. However, keeping in view the terror threat and its proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport, it was being speculated that security would be handed over to CISF.
While devices like Door Framed Metal Detectors (DFMD), Hand Held Metal Detectors and baggage scanners will be provided by the private agency or the concessionaire. "Critical services like dog squads, bomb disposal squads will be provided by government agencies like Delhi police or Central Industrial security force," said the official. However, he did not reveal the exact number of security personnel.
Over 95 per cent of the whole station area will be covered by CCTV (Close Circuit Television) cameras and radio surveillance. Second safety test of the Metro Line will be held later this month.
| Late bloomer |
| The four Metro stations on the line which would be opened in the first phase have got fire departmental clearance. When the project took off Delhi Metro had set August 31, 2010 as the deadline. However, later DMRC granted an extension of one month to the consortium as official sources say, the delay had happened due to Delhi Metro having problems in land acquisition due to which physical work also got delayed. The deadline was revised to September 31, two days before the commencement of Commonwealth Games. Being touted as a CWG project the DMRC had to face a lot of criticism when the deadline was missed. |
