The dedicated Kochi Metro police station being set up to deal with offences, and law and order issues on the Kochi metro station premises and aboard metro trains is likely to turn operational shortly with it receiving the green signal from the State Cabinet on Wednesday.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited had made available land for the station and will bear the cost of renovation and operational expense of the force.
The station is being readied near Cusat metro station within the Kalamassery municipal limits. An old 2500-square feet building has been renovated to serve as the police station. At present, paving of interlocking tiles is in progress.
The metro police station has been allocated 29 posts, including a circle inspector and two sub-inspectors. There will be 13 uniformed women cops, including a circle inspector. Unlike their counterparts, the metro policemen will wear a separate uniform and their jurisdiction will extend to all metro stations on the Aluva-Pettah stretch and the Muttom yard.
They will work in tandem with 128 personnel of the State Industrial Security Force who have already been deployed.
The police will be aided by technological assistance since the entire premises remain under CCTV surveillance, ruling out to a great extent the need for eyewitness accounts to prove charges.
And severe punishment lies in store for those who commit offences on the metro premises and stations. Like, a four-year jail term or a fine of ₹5,000 await those who are charged with preventing metro employees from discharging their duties or attempting to disrupt train operations.