HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metro is ready for launch with much fanfare, but who will ensure the security of the new transport system? While cops attached to the tri-commissionerate of Hyderabad, Rachakonda and Cyberabad will ensure safety and security of the project and its commuters, responsibility of internal security would be with staffers and private security of the L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited.
The police have also sent a proposal to the government seeking additional 1,000 staff members and formation of three new police stations at MGBS, Jubilee Hills and Punjagutta to boost security.
According to sources, the company’s security staff would work together with police in preventing crime in the transportation system. A proposal has also been sent to government seeking its permission to try cases related to the rail system in metropolitan courts.
There are 24 metro stations between Miyapur and Nagole route, which falls in the first phase of the project. Officials are planning to setup 12 police posts across the route with each post covering at least two metro stations to handle related cases. A meeting would soon be held with the Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of HMRL, to finalise the security aspects, said a senior police official.
“Since L&T is the major stake holder in the project built on Public-Private Partership (PPP) mode, the company has informed the police that it would take care of the internal security and share information on cases,” he added.Technical devices to enhance security have been installed in the Miyapur-Nagole route and private security staff have been trained to operate them to scan passengers -- frisking, luggage checks included. CCTVs would be linked to a special command centre located in Uppal police limits.