For the first time, Southern Railway has posted private security personnel on the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to enhance security at the stations. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has deputed more than 15 ex-servicemen at the stations.
The need to have private security personnel in the MRTS section was felt after incidents of sexual harassment of women commuters and several thefts were registered at the Taramani, Indira Nagar, Velachery and Chindatripet stations.
While commuters welcomed the move, they pointed out that more personnel were needed to improve security. Huge stations need a minimum of three to four security persons per shift to man the two entrances and the platform area, the commuters said. They also wanted the Southern Railway to install CCTV cameras in Perungudi, Taramani, Thiruvanmiyur, Indira Nagar and Kasturba Nagar stations.
