DNA EXCLUSIVE: Metro tunnel security exposed

Security agencies were shocked last month to find that their communication system does not work inside metro tunnels. Personnel could not communicate with each other at all, exposing their preparedness to deal with terror threats and attacks.

India’s elite force, the National Security Guard (NSG), has now decided to procure a high-end mesh radio communication system that will cost Rs 3.30 crore. The system will have wrist computers and will be managed from a faraway ground control station.

The move follows threats of London Tube-like attacks. Delhi Metro has an operational underground section of approximately 47 km, and as part of its third-phase expansion, it is adding over 53 km more.

“The radios will have GPS with an accuracy of 15 metres and should be able to transmit back coordinates to be displayed at the control room,” an official said.

The system will have integrated cameras and biometric features to tackle hacking threats. There will also be a “kill switch” with the ability to deactivate the system and wipe all data remotely.