NEW DELHI, Oct 17: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will implement a major restructuring of its administrative and operational framework from November 1, shifting to sector specific security management to improve the protection of critical infrastructure and strategic installations across India.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the reorganisation, which aims to improve operational supervision, develop specialised expertise and establish greater consistency in security procedures across different sectors.
According to the CISF, the revised framework will cover a wide range of establishments, including power plants, coal mines, steel facilities, petroleum and natural gas installations, ports, government buildings, museums, monuments and mass rapid transit systems.
The restructuring marks a shift away from the force’s traditional territorial-based supervisory arrangement towards a functional model that addresses the distinct security requirements of individual industries and institutions.
“Each sector has distinct operational processes, infrastructure, potential hazards and security vulnerabilities,” the CISF said, explaining the need for a specialised approach.
Under the earlier system, administrative and operational responsibilities were primarily organised according to geographical jurisdictions. Over the past 25 years, however, the force has gradually introduced sector oriented supervision in selected areas, particularly aviation and strategic installations under the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space.
The experience gained through these arrangements demonstrated the advantages of specialised supervision, targeted training, sector-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), more effective deployment of personnel and improved coordination with the organisations receiving security services.
Following a review involving supervisory formations, branches at Force Headquarters and senior officers, the CISF decided to extend the functional model to its remaining territorial sectors.
Under the new arrangement, the National Capital Region Sector in New Delhi will be renamed the Government Buildings, Museums and Monuments and Mass Rapid Transit System (GBMM & MRTS) Sector.
The North Sector in New Delhi will become the Power-I Sector, while the North Eastern Sector-II in Kolkata will be redesignated as the Power-II Sector. The Eastern Sector in Ranchi will be converted into the Coal Sector, and the Central Sector in Bhilai will become the Steel Sector.
Similarly, the North Eastern Sector in Guwahati will be transformed into the Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector.
The force has also reorganised its maritime security supervision. The Western Sector in Mumbai will become the West Coast Port Sector, while the South Sector in Chennai will be renamed the East Coast Port Sector. The changes are intended to strengthen oversight of port facilities and improve coordination with maritime stakeholders.
The DAE & DoS Sector in Bengaluru and Airport Sectors-I in New Delhi and II in Bengaluru will continue to operate under their existing functional arrangements.
The CISF said the restructuring was necessary as its responsibilities continue to expand beyond conventional industrial security, requiring greater operational specialisation and clearer accountability.
The force has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The dedicated port sectors are expected to help build expertise in maritime security and strengthen engagement with port authorities and other relevant agencies.
The CISF has also been assigned security duties at high-security correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, it has been designated as the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure.
These emerging responsibilities require specialised training, effective coordination and clearly defined operational procedures to address evolving threats, officials said.
Alongside the organisational changes, the force is strengthening its capabilities in cybersecurity, drone surveillance and counter-drone operations. Training initiatives and collaboration with specialised institutions are intended to improve preparedness against digital attacks and potential threats from hostile unmanned aerial systems.
The CISF’s new framework is expected to help security personnel develop a deeper understanding of the operational environments they protect, enabling more focused risk assessments and security planning.
The reorganisation also seeks to improve coordination between the force, concerned ministries, government departments and installation managements. Greater sectoral expertise is expected to support the development of uniform security standards while allowing procedures to reflect the specific vulnerabilities of different facilities.
With the revised structure scheduled to take effect on November 1, the CISF aims to build a more specialised and responsive security network capable of addressing the changing requirements of India’s industrial, economic and strategic infrastructure.
The force said the initiative would strengthen its preparedness for emerging security challenges and support its expanding role in safeguarding vital national assets.