In the wake of the shocking murder of a Class XI student inside Dakshineswar Metro Station on September 12, the Kolkata Metro Rail Authority has announced a major security overhaul. Around 800 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will be deployed across metro stations to strengthen passenger safety.
The murder of 17-year-old Manojit Yadav, who was fatally stabbed to death by his classmate with a knife inside the station, has raised concerns about metro security. Commuters have been asking how the assailant managed to enter the premises with a weapon despite baggage scanners and metal detectors being in place.
Officials admitted that security lapses had occurred in several stations. In many cases, scanners were not functioning properly or checks were being bypassed, while some RPF personnel were reportedly lax on duty. With the Puja season approaching, when passenger footfall is expected to multiply, authorities have decided to tighten surveillance and monitoring.
A senior Metro Rail official said, “Security is being intensified at all stations ahead of the festive rush. Additional RPF personnel will be deployed and luggage scanners at every entry and exit gate will be used without exception. Passenger movement will be closely monitored through CCTV cameras in central control rooms, platforms, and inside rakes.”
The Metro Authority has also announced that services will run on revised schedules during Durga Puja to ease crowd pressure. With the festive season extending until the New Year, both passenger convenience and security are being treated as priorities.
The murder case shocked the city, with residents demanding answers over metro safety standards. Manojit was attacked at around 2:30 pm on last Friday inside Dakshineswar Metro Station and succumbed to his injuries after being taken to hospital. The accused classmate was arrested the following day.
The deployment of additional security personnel, stricter baggage checks and enhanced CCTV monitoring are now being positioned as key steps to restore public confidence in Kolkata Metro’s safety measures.
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