In response to increasing crime rates and to bolster passenger safety in the Delhi Metro, the city police have introduced a new security measure that involves deploying plainclothes officers at key metro stations during peak hours. This decision follows a detailed ‘temporal and spatial analysis’ of the current security strategy, conducted in light of the recent rise in metro ridership and associated crime rates, as reported by police officials.
The ‘temporal and spatial’ analysis—referring to time and space—was carried out using data from 190 metro stations to pinpoint times and locations with elevated crime rates. From this analysis, 32 stations were identified as being particularly vulnerable to theft, harassment, and other offences. Notable stations among these include Kashmiri Gate, Rajiv Chowk, Seelampur, Anand Vihar, and Kalkaji.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) Vijay Singh said, “Our objective is to ensure a safer environment for commuters. By integrating with the crowd, our officers can more effectively prevent criminal activities and respond swiftly to incidents. You can refer to them as our undercover officers”.
The Delhi Metro‘s security is managed by both the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and Delhi Police. While the CISF handles frisking and checks, the city police are responsible for registering FIRs, conducting investigations, and patrolling within the metro premises. This separate unit of the Delhi Police operates 16 metro police stations across various city locations and is led by a DCP-level officer.
JCP Singh highlighted that the new security measures will also include a greater presence of female officers on platforms and trains to address safety concerns for women. Additionally, the police will use technology to monitor suspicious behaviour and identify potential threats.
The initiative aims to uphold the Delhi Metro’s reputation as a reliable and secure mode of public transport. According to the plan, there will be one officer stationed at each entrance, with two to three officers, including female staff, monitoring platforms and trains during peak times.
Also Read: Delhi Metro reports 4,000 cases of thefts so far this year
Singh noted that the ‘temporal and spatial’ data analysis was instrumental in identifying the vulnerable locations within the metro stations. The deployment of these officers is expected to commence later this week.
Police statistics reveal that the Delhi Metro has reported 3,952 theft cases this year to date. As of September 8, 2023, there were 3,709 theft cases reported. These cases include pickpocketing, missing mobile phones, purses, and other valuables, as well as theft of metro property.
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the metro has experienced its highest passenger journeys in the past month, with daily ridership ranging between 72 lakh and 78 lakh. (With inputs from PTI)
