NSG hub: Fit for the fight

The country’s counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard’s Chennai hub with 241 commandos, say they’re fighting fit, having had (and still undergoing) rigorous training in counter terrorism skills, including use of explosives, firing, effective communication during attacks. But it is a claim that is still untested.

But it is also claim that everyone will hope will remain untested. Set up in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks, the NSG hub here specializes in imparting new training skills and special tactics to enhance  mental and physical endurance.


The commandos are provided with all infrastructure like submachine guns and Australian made pistols which will enable them to be on a par with international counter terrorism units.


A kit containing All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE), similar to those used by the US Army, essential items of clothing, individual equipment, small arms and ammunition, food and medicine, and which also serves as a flak jacket, have been provided.


All-terrain shoes, which are resistant to both water and fire, were also provided to them. Post 26/11- Mumbai terror attacks during which it took more than 12 hours for NSG to arrive from Gurgaon, NSG units were set up in Chennai (July 2009), Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad to avert possible terrorist strikes and avoid delays in arrival of NSG commandos from Delhi in the event of terror strikes in the cities.

According to sources there would be an upgrade in weaponry, surveillance and communication equipment and also special weapons are being procured from foreign countries.


The officials were tight lipped about the training process, but said ‘With the establishment of the hubs, the response time of the NSG for countering terrorist attacks would be reduced significantly now.


‘Our first objective is to raise the level of preparedness to meet any terror threat and then to respond decisively in case of terror threat or any terror attack,’  a senior official said.


The Chennai hub would serve not only the city but entire Tamilnadu and other areas so that the commandos could be rushed in case of any terrorist attack or any other emergency, he said.


It may be recalled that Chennai was granted the largest area of land for the new NSG hubs among the five states. The new hubs are coming up at Nedunkundram (85 acres) in Chennai, Marol (23 acres) in Mumbai, Trimulghery (22 acres) in Hyderabad and Badu (20 acres) in Kolkata. Pre-fabricated and permanent structures are being constructed for NSG commandos at these locations.