With the escalating conflict in India-Pakistan, Delhi has identified subway stations and the basement is a public airstrike shelter

In view of the rising regional tensions, Delhi police have stepped up their emergency preparedness. Officials said Saturday that the force had begun identifying basements in the capital as a shelter for air strikes or missile strikes. Also be prepared to ensure a list of children and elderly residents who are evacuated quickly when needed.“All areas are required to mark safe shelters, especially residential and commercial buildings and basements of subway stations,” a senior official said.
The decision comes amid escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. The authorities not only focus on rapid response mechanisms, but also work to educate the public on how to act in the event of air threats. “The idea is to ensure quick access to people who may need help in emergencies. The data will help police and civil defense personnel move faster and more efficiently,” one senior police officer explained.

Public awareness and community engagement

To support this effort, civil defense volunteers, Resident Welfare Association (RWAS) and local beat police officers have been introduced. Their job is to spread awareness about the sound of warning racks (the situation where warnings sound) – avoid cover, avoid open spaces, and follow official updates.

“The Delhi police are not only working to respond quickly, but also actively educating people about the precautions that should be taken in air strikes,” another official said.

The direction also issued an assessment to all District Deputy Police Commissioners (DCPS) to assess available infrastructure for shelter use. They were asked to work closely with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and municipal agencies for resource allocation.

New disaster sector in the capital

To increase the response strategy, the Delhi Police has set up a new department called the Delhi Police Disaster Response Force (DPDRF). The department, composed of about 270 personnel, including police officers and deputy inspectors, received a six-week intensive training on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) campus in Ghaziabad.

Of the 270 members, about 150 have completed training. The rest is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Thereafter, the troops will be divided into three deployable units. Officials are considering placing it in key areas of the south, east and New Delhi to reduce emergency response time.

CBRN prepares force to increase force capability

In addition to dealing with natural disasters and urban emergencies, the new department will also receive training to deal with chemical, biology, radiology and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. “This greatly expands their scope of operations,” a police source said.

Such advanced capabilities are consistent with the threats that large cities may face in armed conflicts or large-scale emergencies.

Underground metropolis is seen as a refuge in global conflict

Throughout history, underground transport systems have often become improvised bomb shelters during wars. During World War II, London pipes protected citizens. Recently, the people of Kiev sought shelter in the conflict with Russia in 2022-2023. Residents carried mattresses and pets underground, staying overnight, and escaped the air strike. These shelters also provide opportunities for food, water, mobile charging and rest.

The Delhi Metro Corporation (DMRC) operates 71 underground stations in the capital. Hauz Khas is located 29 meters below the surface, and the deepest is Chawri Bazar, 25 meters away. On average, these stations are located 15 meters underground. In the 394.4 km operating network, 106.1 km is underground.

The underground station in Delhi was not originally built as a bomb shelter, but was safer than the underground stations that were kept above the ground during the air strikes. The Yellow Line has the most underground stations (20), with key interchanges such as Chawri Bazar and Hauz Khas. The Magenta series has 15 such stations, 12 pink lines and 11 violet lines.

Global models provide inspiration

In Moscow, many subway stations were built during the Cold War and had the function of bomb abandonment. The 84-meter-deep park, Pobedy Station, is one of the deepest stations in the world. Admiralteyskaya in St. Petersburg is deeper at 86 meters. These are specially designed for transportation and military defense purposes.

Kiev’s Cold War-era subway infrastructure was reused in 2023 to protect hundreds of thousands of air attacks. These stations serve not only as shelters, but also as hubs for living in besieged communities.

In Prague, the Cold War-era OSM shelter is designed to protect people from nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, and can protect up to 72 hours. Equipped with 20-ton explosion doors and air purification systems, they remain a key part of the city’s emergency plan.

Germany also has a legacy of turning the subway system into a bunker. In recent years, German authorities have revisited this strategy, compiling a list of structures that can be reconfigured as emergency shelters.

Delhi’s plan is shaped by history, driven by need

Although the underground network of Delhi Metro does not take into account the war, it reflects other cities that have become lifelines during the conflict. Authorities are learning from global experiences, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks or open conflicts, while preparing for all situations.

The awareness-driven and preparation exercises will continue in the coming days, officials said. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.