Iran's capital Tehran is preparing to turn a number of metro stations into bomb shelters as authorities strengthen emergency preparedness amid growing security concerns.

Mehdi Chamran, chairman of the Tehran City Council, said the necessary facilities and communications infrastructure will be installed inside the stations or in nearby areas, according to Iran International.

The exact timeline for completing the preparations has not yet been announced.

Authorities also plan to place special signs at metro stations to clearly identify the shelters. Residents have been urged to familiarize themselves with their locations in advance rather than trying to find a shelter during an emergency.

The Iranian authorities had previously designated 82 metro stations for use as emergency shelters.