12 January,2011 07:19 AM IST | | Surender Sharma
Instead of CISF, the operator will use its in-house team
Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL), the operator of high-speed Metro Airport Express line has refused to engage Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for security purposes. The development comes a day after Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety had asked the operator to reconsider its security plan as CISF was engaged in providing security to other lines of Delhi Metro.
Au00a0DAMPEL spokesperson told MiD DAY, "We have proposed that our in-house team will take care of the security of Airport Express line. We have recruited competent people for the same from defence services and well-known security agencies. All the necessary security equipment has been procured and installed. In order to have sufficient manpower and provide foolproof security, we are not depending on a single agency but are engaging two agencies - SIS and Securitus," said the spokesperson.
Sometime back MiD DAY had first reported about DAMPEL's decision to engage private security for the link. Interestingly, the matter had come up for discussion in the Home Ministry and Bureau of Civil Aviation had also expressed reservations about the operator engaging private security personnel as the line will have check-in facility at the Metro station itself.u00a0 However, Home Ministry had okayed DAMPEL'su00a0 security plan. The line is likely to be opened later this week.
About the speed of the trains, DAMPEL spokesperson said, "The speed will be increased to 120 kmph. DMRC is in the process of obtaining an approval from Research Designs and Standards Organisation on the same." The CMRS has reduced the express line Metro train speed from 120 km/hr to 105 km/hr while giving the safety clearance.u00a0
Also, when the line opens, it will have a 16-hour operation schedule, as opposed to the 20 hours decided as per the contract. The officials said that the agreement with Air India for check-in facility at the station is in final stages. However, is not expected to start from the day of opening of the line.
| Over the counter |
| Delhi Metro is planning to set up specialised medical counters at some stations to provide immediate assistance to commuters in cases of emergency. "Talks are on with two hospitals for setting up of counters at some stations where commuters who are unwell or injured can be helped," Rajkumar, Director (Operations) of DMRC, said. At present, DMRC staff trained in administration of First Aid assist unwell passengers. |
