The government has decided to hand over the security of "highly vulnerable" Delhi Metro rail to the Central Industrial Security Force, a measure aimed at preventing a Mumbai-like terror attack on packed commuter trains.

Considered a soft target for terror attacks, the Union home ministry has approved deployment of dedicated force in metro stations in view of CISF's expertise in guarding the industrial and other vital installations.

At present the CISF also guards 54 airports in the country. In the first phase, 1,600 CISF personnel will be deployed to cover the 59 stations of mass transit system, stretching over 62 kms, as against the present system of 700-odd men guarding the network round the clock.

Currently, the Delhi Police is in charge of overall security of the rail system with CISF assisting them and after the switch over, the local police's role would be confined to maintaining law and order outside stations, an official told PTI.

The decision to induct CISF into metro security was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Union home ministry last week and the paramilitary force was awaiting orders from the government, he added.

"We are waiting for the cabinet approval in this regard and hope to take over the new assignment soon, may be within a fortnight ahead of August 15," he said. Once deployed, CISF plans to upgrade and overhaul the security apparatus and install new gadgets for access control and surveillance.