After operating the Namma Metro commercially in a phased manner for over five years, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is now feeling the need for an IPS officer to head its security division. The MD of BMRCL, Pradeep Singh Kharola, has asked the state government to depute an IPS officer to oversee security in the Metro. The BMRCL is now gearing up to operate the entire Phase I project covering a distance of 42 kilometers. At present, 1.75 lakh passengers use the Metro and the number is likely to increase to 5 lakh when the entire phase I becomes operational, and hopefully, 7 lakh in subsequent months.
Kharola said, “BMRCL has written to the state government to depute an IPS officer to oversee security. As it is about security, I cannot comment further on the issue.” When he was asked about whether BMRCL would get CISF personnel to man metro stations, the official said, “It is up to the state government to decide on the issue.”
Security of passengers and metro properties gets high priority as Bengaluru has been one of the prime targets of terror outfits. At present, at the operational metro stations, private security guards are deployed. Security personnel are also seen on platforms to make sure passengers do not cross the yellow line on platforms as the tracks are electrified. It is said that BMRCL is also contemplating deployment of armed Karnataka Industrial Security Force personnel for security at metro stations. In the city, two major road transport corporations, BMTC and KSRTC, have IPS officers as directors heading security and vigilance departments.
