To protect Kolkata Metro, team of 28 commandos deployed

The Metro Railway has deployed a team of 28 commandos and two officers from the Railway Protection Force in order to tackle unforeseen incidents. The unit has undergone rigorous training at the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College at Kanker in Chhattisgarh.

The commandos will work in two shifts respectively — one from 6.30 am to 2.30 pm and the other from 2.30 pm till the last train reaches their final destination. Around 15 commandos will work in each shift.

The Commandos have been imparted high level of training on counter insurgency, counter-terrorism operation, quality of leadership, devotion to duty and alertness. The Commandos can move to any Metro stations here in the city to create a sense of safety and security amongst the passengers.

It was also learnt that the commandos will be stationed at Dum Dum, Park Street and Kavi Subhash stations apart from others. They will move to any station if situation demands. All the RPF commandos who have been deployed at the metro stations are below 30 years of age. A senior official said if there is any such situation, the team that would be stationed at the nearest station will move to the spot immediately. The number of commandos may be increased later depending upon the situation.

According to a senior Metro official, this step will further strengthen the security arrangements within the system. There was a need of specially trained forces at the Metro stations on the face of security threats. Passengers travelling in the Metro trains are also happy after the deployment of the specialised forces.