Kolkata Metro plans to tighten security anticipating heavy rush of commuters on Christmas Day

Security will be tightened at five metro stations- Esplanade, Park Street, Maidan, Rabindra Sadan and Dum Dum, official sources said on Saturday.

"At these stations, well-trained RPF personnel will be deployed at all entry and exit gates.

RPF will arrange extra deployment of personnel in these stations in order to manage anticipated huge rush as well as ensure the hassle-free journey of passengers o­n that day," the sources added.

Adequate lady RPF officers and staff will be deployed at Park Street station to ensure safety and security of women and children.

"A Special Team consisting of o­ne Sub-Inspector/Assistant Sub-Inspector and four staff including two lady staff will remain present at Park Street, Maidan and Esplanade Metro stations o­n December 25. This team will remain in readiness to tackle any emergency. In order to ensure a real time situation, adequate staff will be posted at Central Control of North-South Metro, sources maintained.

Another Special Team consisting of o­ne officer and four staff will be deployed at Park Street Metro station o­n the day to manage the rush. Adequate number of RPF staff will be deployed in Park Street, Maidan & Esplanade Metro stations to provide proper guidance to the commuters.

Anti-sabotage checking will also be done at these stations.

Last year 75,826 footfalls were recorded at Esplanade, 68,042 at Park Street and 50,193 at Maidan o­n Christmas.

Keeping that surge of passengers in mind, an adequate number of Tokens and Smart Cards will be available at all ticket counters of these stations.

An adequate number of counters will be opened at Park Street, Maidan and Esplanade stations o­n that day.

(With UNI inputs)