As military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, Delhi has quietly initiated one of the most significant civilian protection measures since the city’s post-Independence history.
The capital is transforming its underground metro stations and building basements into public air raid shelters, blending emergency preparedness with urban resilience in a rapidly evolving security environment.Senior officials from Delhi Police confirmed that all district units have been tasked with identifying and marking safe shelter zones, prioritising basements of residential and commercial complexes as well as metro stations. These efforts are aimed at ensuring swift protection for residents in the event of aerial threats or missile strikes. In a parallel effort, lists of vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly, are being compiled to aid timely evacuation.
The civil defence strategy is not merely reactive. Resident welfare associations, civil defence volunteers, and local police beat officers have been mobilised to engage communities directly. The focus is on public education—how to react when warning sirens sound, where to find safe shelter, and why open spaces must be avoided during such emergencies.Delhi’s strategy draws from global precedents. During the Second World War, London’s Tube network sheltered thousands. In more recent memory, the Kyiv metro system served as a refuge during the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022-23. Delhi Metro’s underground infrastructure—comprising 71 stations and over 106 kilometres of tunnels—is now being repurposed with similar intent, albeit without the original design for conflict.
Among these, Hauz Khas and Chawri Bazar, lying 29 and 25 metres underground respectively, are regarded as particularly viable. Though not built to withstand modern missile attacks, these spaces offer considerably higher safety than surface-level alternatives.To institutionalise these efforts, Delhi Police has launched a new division—the Delhi Police Disaster Response Force (DPDRF). This 270-member unit, trained by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Ghaziabad, is being equipped to handle a spectrum of crises including air raids, fires, building collapses, and floods. Nearly 150 personnel have completed their training, with full operational capability expected by month-end. Once active, the force will be deployed strategically across South, East, and New Delhi to minimise emergency response time.
The initiative is further bolstered by the unit’s preparedness for CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) scenarios. In doing so, Delhi is aligning itself with forward-thinking global cities like Prague and Moscow, where urban infrastructure doubles as civilian defence in times of conflict or catastrophe.
Authorities are currently assessing how to enhance infrastructure without disrupting daily life or compromising accessibility. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which manages the city’s extensive metro network, is playing a pivotal role in enabling the transformation of underground spaces into temporary sanctuaries.
While the situation between India and Pakistan remains fluid, Delhi’s response underscores the growing importance of integrating safety, sustainability, and inclusive urban design. It also reflects a deeper shift in how cities must think beyond climate resilience and include security resilience—without sacrificing equity.What emerges is not only a security blueprint, but also a vision for a city prepared to protect every citizen—irrespective of age, gender, or socioeconomic status—in the face of adversity.
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