In a groundbreaking move, Delhi Police personnel carrying weapons will now be permitted to travel on metro trains during emergency situations, officials announced today (April 19). This initiative aims to circumvent traffic congestion, enabling swift response to crisis situations.
Approval and Collaboration: Officials disclosed that the Delhi Police received approval for this proposal during a recent meeting with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for security checks at metro stations.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): The final modalities for the SOP have been finalized, with potential implementation anticipated before the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Delhi. Under this arrangement, a designated group of personnel can travel without tokens, subject to prior notification to the DMRC regarding the reason and details of the personnel.
Payment Basis and Uniform Requirement: Personnel traveling in such circumstances will bear the travel expenses on a payment basis. Each traveling officer will be in uniform to ensure identification and security.
Utilizing Metro for Swift Response: During riot-like situations or law and order emergencies, navigating heavy traffic in Delhi can significantly impede police movement. Leveraging the extensive metro network can expedite response times, particularly as it spans across various parts of Delhi.
Transportation Arrangements: Transportation arrangements will be made for the ‘pick and drop’ of personnel from metro stations to the crisis site. This provision extends to the movement of paramilitary personnel deployed in the national capital during emergencies.
Addressing Past Incidents: The initiative aims to learn from past incidents, such as the communal riots in Trilokpuri (2014) and North-East Delhi (2020), where efficient deployment of law enforcement personnel was imperative.
By integrating metro travel into their emergency response protocols, the Delhi Police endeavors to enhance their agility and effectiveness in managing critical situations across the city.
