Delhi Metro reports 44 cases of cable theft this year, up from 38 in 2023

Incidents of cable theft at Delhi Metro stations and tracks have risen this year, with 44 cases reported compared to 38 last year, officials revealed on Tuesday.

Data from Delhi Police indicates that only 9 out of 38 cases were solved last year, leading to 12 arrests. This year, however, authorities have solved 22 of the 44 cases, arresting 53 individuals.

Delhi Police officials said they conduct regular patrolling along metro tracks and perform checks on platforms, while metro staff also carry out surveillance using CCTV cameras.

A senior police officer suggested that increasing CCTV coverage along the tracks and improving lighting in dark areas, particularly at night, could help prevent such thefts.

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Earlier this month, a gang of 11 individuals climbed onto elevated tracks between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar stations using tree branches and stole 140 meters of signalling cable. The theft caused a six-hour disruption on the Blue Line, significantly inconveniencing commuters. Four members of the gang have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining suspects, police said.

In August, Delhi Police urged the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to address security lapses and reduce suicide incidents by focusing on five key measures: installing CCTV cameras along tracks, improving lighting in dark areas, trimming tree branches near metro boundaries, increasing guards at platforms, and installing platform screen doors (PSDs) at stations.

Security at the Delhi Metro is maintained by the Delhi Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for security checks at stations.

(With inputs from PTI)