Who will guard our metro stations?

While the 11.07-km Versova Andheri Ghatkopar (VAG) metro rail corridor will be operational by this year end, the authorities are yet to decide who will guard the metro.

Earlier private security guards were to be posted but as metro rail is a possible terror target, the authorities will now have a meeting with the State Home Department and the chief secretary. Metropolitan Commissioner UPS Madan said, "The central security agencies, including the central home department, wrote a letter to us stating that there should be more security."

Sources from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said the central home department has sent a letter to MMRDA stating the list of security equipments that should be installed at the stations.

"MMRDA looks after infrastructure of the city but, when it comes to the issue of the fool-proof security, we think a government agency should take the responsibility of manning the metro, as they are experienced in dealing with terror activities," a source said.

A meeting will be held between MMRDA officials, Home Department and chief secretary, where a solution to this issue is expected.u00a0