Women commuters on the Delhi metro are now allowed to wield small knives for self-protection.

However, security personnel can deny entry to a woman passenger carrying a knife if she is deemed a security threat.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has relaxed its ban on lighters and matchboxes as well.

This decision was taken on the basis of the list of confiscated items accumulating at the CISF depot in Shastri Park. The CISF has also allowed tools on the metro.

“Apart from one lighter and one matchbox per passenger, we have also allowed passengers to carry tools. We received several requests as labourers travel by metro and carry tools for work,” a CISF official said.

For safety purposes, the tools will be examined and an entry will be made to trace the person if needed.

The metro has a list of 54 restricted items which include sharp objects such as knives, swords, guns, firearms, explosive materials, flammable items, dangerous chemicals and liquor bottles etc.