The authorities at Tihar Jail are formulating a proposal for starting a shuttle service for visitors inside jail premises. This step is being seen as another way of tightening security inside the jail.

“Many visitors come to the jail during visiting hours, and this could pose a threat to security at the jail. Considering the fact that the Tihar premises are big, the shuttle service will end the chances of any visitor causing nuisance inside by any means,” sources in Tihar Jail said.

The shuttle will pick up visitors from the entrance gate and will drop them outside the jail they want to visit. Similarly, they will board the vehicle from the jails inside and will be dropped at the main entrance.

“This will minimise the chance of any mischievous activity, as visitors will not be allowed to roam around the jail premises,” a senior Tihar Jail officer said.

Director General (Prisons) B K Gupta said: “The proposal has been made keeping in mind the strengthening of security inside Tihar. The service will help us secure the jail in a better way.”

Sources in Tihar Jail said two 18-20 seater vehicles have been proposed, as these would be enough for the number of visitors coming to Tihar.

The Tihar authorities have also sought an upgrade of arms and ammunition provided for the jail. “We have made a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs for upgrading the arms in Tihar. We have asked them to give us Insas guns instead of the rifles being used by security officers here,” a senior police officer said.