Controversy arose over the deployment of CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) in Kolkata's metro rail following difference of opinion between Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

While the Chief Minister claimed he could persuade the Home Minister Sivraj Patil to deploy CISF personnel in the city's underground railway as a security step against terrorists attacks, Mr Yadav said the metro railway had adequate protective measures with the deployment of the RPF ( Railway Protection Force).

The RPF has been an equally well-equipped para-military force like CISF and hence, there is no need for engaging the CISF in the railways, he said. Mr Yadav was in the city yesterday to inaugurate Kolkata's direct railway linking with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose international airport by extending the circular railway from Dum Dum Cantonment to the airport-- a 3.8 km stretch, of which 2.8 km elevated -- the construction of which cost Rs 87 crore.

This is the first time in the country that a rail link could be established directly with an important airport, which Trinamool Congress leader, Ms Mamata Banerjee, had envisaged during her brief tenure as Railway Minister in the Vajpayee government.

The state home secretary, Mr P.K.Roy, alleged that security measures in the metro railways were very inadequate and there was an urgent need for strengthening security. He felt the deployment of the CISF in the metro rail would serve the purpose.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration function, Mr Yadav said the ministry would consider a direct rail link with all other major airports of the country for facilitating air passengers with easy access to airports.