Wednesday, July 12 2006 17:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A day after Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) sounded the red alert following the terror blasts in Mumbai, commuters here Wednesday said they do not mind going through laborious security checks but are not ready to go through another horror in the capital.

"We welcome the decision of the Delhi Metro authorities to step up security. It is better to go through a number of security checks than face some horrible terror attack. The Oct 29 triple blasts in market places here is still fresh and Delhiites are not ready to face any such brutality," said Simran Sinha, who commutes through metro everyday.

Sinha, an eyewitness of the Sarojini Nagar blast in October last year said the Mumbai blasts are a sad reminder of the bombings on Diwali eve that killed about 60 people.

"It's a sad reminder and the increasing toll in Mumbai is just bringing the memories back," she said after passing through a security check at Rajiv Chowk metro station in Connaught Place.

Less than an hour after the blasts in Mumbai Tuesday that killed over 180 people and injured more than 460, DMRC declared a red alert and beefed up security in all its stations.

"After an emergency meeting, we declared red alert at 7 p.m. last evening. Security has been beefed up in all its stations and Delhi Police have pressed special officers for our security," said Anuj Dayal, chief spokesman of Delhi Metro.

"We have started special security for our passengers. Besides, all the staffs and drivers have been asked to be on their toes to deal with any eventuality," Dayal told IANS.

Every single person is being checked and possessions like bags, suitcases are being frisked by police and guards at all the stations.

The security control of DMRC has already been linked with the police control rooms. Mobile checking groups are also doing surprise checks of passengers.

Delhi Police have deployed plain clothed officials and Central Industrial Security Force personnel have heightened their vigil. Officials are also keeping extra vigil on the underground metro line from Connaught Place to Central Secretariat.

Nearly 475,000 people commute through Metro, the sleek world-class public transport medium of the national capital.

"Though there are no specific information on any probable threat, we do not want to take chances. Besides keeping a close watch on as many visitors as possible, we are also monitoring parking lots and places adjacent to metro stations," said a police officer at Central Secretariat.

"Since last evening, passengers are ready to go through a number of checks and are not complaining," he said adding that it's always 'better to be on the safer side'.

Rajesh Nandkumar, who underwent three security checks, too did not complain. "Though I will be a little late in reaching office, I am ready to cooperate with the police," he said.

Delhi Metro officials have appealed to its commuters to inform about any unattended bags, suspicious objects or characters.

"Otherwise, things are quite normal at all metro," said Dayal.