The CISF will overhaul its operational and administrative structure from November 1
The objective of the reorganization is to better align the supervisory structure of the forces with the specific security requirements of different sectors. File | Photo credit: Reuters
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to overhaul its administrative and operational structure to strengthen dedicated security management across the critical infrastructure and strategic facilities under its protection. The revised arrangements, approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will come into effect on November 1, the Force said in a statement.
The aim of the reorganization is to better align the force’s supervisory structure with the specific security requirements of various sectors, including energy, coal, steel, oil and gas, ports, government buildings, museums, monuments and mass rapid transit systems. The aim is to improve operational oversight, promote expertise in individual sectors, ensure greater uniformity of security procedures and strengthen coordination with relevant ministries, unions and facility management.
The CISF provides security to a wide range of facilities, including airports, seaports, nuclear and space facilities, power plants, power grids, steel mills, coal mines, oil and gas facilities, currency presses, government buildings, iconic landmarks and mass transit systems. Each sector has different operational processes, infrastructure, potential hazards and security vulnerabilities.
Under the former arrangement, administrative and operational oversight was organized largely along geographical lines. Over the last 25 years, the CISF has gradually adopted a functional approach in select sectors, including aviation and strategic installations under the Ministry of Atomic Energy and the Ministry of Space.
Oversight structure reviewed
CISF reviewed the supervisory structure. The National Capital Region sector has been reorganized into Government Buildings, Museums and Monuments and Mass Rapid Transit System (GBMM and MRTS), New Delhi sector. North Sector (New Delhi) and North East Sector-II (Kolkata) were restructured as Power-I and Power-II sectors.
The eastern sector (Ranchi) has been converted into a coal sector, while the central sector (Bhilai) is now a dedicated steel sector. The North East sector (Guwahati) has been converted into an oil and gas sector.
In order to strengthen the security management of maritime trade infrastructure, the Western Sector (Mumbai) and Southern Sector (Chennai) have been converted into West Coast Port Sector and East Coast Port Sector.
Ministry of Atomic Energy and Ministry of Space Sector Bengaluru, Airport Sector-I, New Delhi and Airport Sector-II, Bengaluru will continue under their respective functional arrangements.
The reorganization assumes significance as the CISF’s mandate expands beyond conventional industrial security to include new and specialized security responsibilities. The force has been designated as a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The functional reorganization of port sector oversight is expected to support the development of specialized expertise in port security and coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders.
The CISF has also been entrusted with security responsibilities at high-security correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and has been designated as the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure. These responsibilities require specialized training, clear operational responsibilities and a coordinated approach to emerging security challenges.
The force is also strengthening its cyber security and drone and anti-drone capabilities through specialized training and collaboration with leading institutions. These initiatives are aimed at increasing preparedness against cyber-attacks, digital threats and hostile unmanned aerial systems that can threaten vital equipment.
Published – 18 Oct 2026 19:06 IST