New Delhi’s mass transit system - which has elevated and underground tracks - is now partially operational, with nearly 60 kilometers (40 miles) of working routes that cross-cross the northern and central parts of the city.

The metro already has a security system manned by New Delhi police and personnel from other branches of India’s security forces. But last year’s London transit bombings raised concerns that it was vulnerable and needed better security, said Delhi Metro spokesman Mahindra Yadav.

Indian intelligence agencies have also warned that militants fighting to wrest predominantly Muslim Kashmir from largely Hindu India could target the metro with bombings and shootings, similar to ones carried out in recent years in New Delhi and other cities.

To improve security, the government and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation decided to create a new, 3,000-strong dedicated security force that will be trained in anti-terror and anti-sabotage techniques, Yadav said.

Officers of the as-yet-unnamed force will patrol the trains, tunnels and stations of the metro network, he said.

Yadav added the force would be ready soon, but did not give a specific date.

Nearly half a million commuters use the metro every day, and the number is expected to rise significantly in coming years as more lines are completed.