The full-fledged police aid post, which was set up amid much publicity at the Vyttila Mobility Hub, remains under-utilised even a year after its inception. According to the hub authorities, the aid post was set up to enhance police security at the terminal. As per the plan, three Sub Inspectors, three Civil Police officers and two woman civil police officers would be appointed to run the aid post. However, the formal inauguration of the aid post as well as the appointment of the police personnel remain on paper till now.
“According to the official record, approximately 40,000 passengers use the bus terminal for commuting on a daily basis. But, there are still only three civil police officers to manage the huge crowds at the hub,” authorities said.
The authorities also said that incidents of crime, including chain-snatching and harassment of a woman at the hub last month could have been avoided if there were enough police personnel present. “Hence, it is important to make the aid post functional and tighten security at the hub,” authorities added.
Meanwhile, M Beena, managing director of Vyttila Mobility Hub said that the aid post and its facilities had been set up at a cost of Rs 4 lakh. “We have already requested the Inspector General of Police to open the police aid post at the hub at the earliest. We are awaiting his response,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police V M Muhammed Rafeeque said that the security arrangements at the hub will be strengthened soon. “At present, there are two police aid posts and enough police personnel at the hub to monitor the security issues,” he said.