State Industrial Security Force to man Kochi Metro stations

Kochi: Ten State Industrial Security Force (SISF) personnel would be deployed in each of the Kochi Metro station for passenger and baggage screening as part of tight security measures being put in place once the commercial operations begin. "We'll start deploying them at stations from tomorrow (Wednesday). They have completed training in batches of 10 each. All baggage including hand bags will be thoroughly checked. We're deploying a minimum of 10 personnel at each station," said former Director General of Police Jacob Punnose, who was earlier appointed as security advisor to the Kochi Metro.

Earlier, a total of 138 police personnel from the Kerala Armed Police wing were posted to the SISF on deputation basis for a period of three years for security purposes of the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The overall operational command of the security personnel is vested with the Inspector General of Police, Kochi Range, while the administrative and disciplinary control is vested with the commandant, SISF.

The personnel, named as 'Kochi Metro Special Police', will also be entrusted with surveillance of the metro stations. "We expect only very few offences, if any, to be committed by anti-socials as besides the tight security, the technical systems used for surveillance are of international standards. Round-the-clock monitoring will be done using the modern equipment," the official said. A spokesperson said KMRL will bear the security expenses as of now. "We've again requested the state government to bear the expenses as it is a sovereign duty. Also the expenses are borne either by the Centre or the respective state government in other Metros."

Meanwhile, the work of setting up a separate police station behind the CUSAT station for lodging crimes related to the Metro is fast progressing. "An old building is being renovated and its jurisdiction includes Metro stations, Metro viaduct, Muttom depot and trains. The State Cabinet has already sanctioned 29 posts for the station which would have a Circle Inspector and two Sub Inspectors," a senior police official said. Besides, 400 private security guards will be deployed in multiple shifts at the 11 metro stations between Aluva and Palarivattom to look after parking and other areas.