As IT Special Economic Zone at Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam abuzz with activity, police beef up security

City police increase security in Rushikonda IT SEZ to ensure safety of software employees, especially women, and residents.

Following increasing activity in the IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Rushikonda here, the city police have beefed up security in the vicinity of to ensure the safety of the software employees, especially women, and people living in the region.

A few months ago, the city police have set up an exclusive police outpost to monitor the area. Now, three four-wheeler patrolling vehicles and a couple of bluecolt vehicles were being deployed in the locality round the clock. For the first time, the police have also started to use drones to man the hillock region and prevent any untoward incidents.

“The three hills in the IT SEZ have seen an increase in the number of IT companies, so as the employees for the past few years. Thousands of employees, including women, are seen changing shifts during late nights. So, it is important to provide security and ensure their safety,” said Inspector of PM Palem police station Balakrishna.

He said that following instructions from Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi and ACP North S. Appalaraju, the security was increased. He said that the police have kept strict vigil on activities like open drinking, eve-teasing, bike racing, ganja consumption and other anti-social activities.

“Most of the software employees reside in Madhurawada, due to its close proximity and being a developed area. Earlier, till they reach Madhurawada from IT SEZ, they used to feel isolated. But now, the entire stretch between IT SEZ and Madhurawada was brought under security blanket. Illumination was improved, while CCTV cameras were also installed at regular intervals,” he added.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is likely to shift to a building at the IT SEZ temporarily very soon. IT Minister Nara Lokesh has said that a few more IT companies are likely to open offices at Rushikonda. Very recently, the RTC has started special buses to the IT SEZ keeping in view the needs of employees.