India Inc tightens security

Corporate offices and industrial establishments are redrawing their security plans after attacks in Mumbai last week, and so are hotels, report Lalatendu Mishra and Gaurav Choudhury.

Corporate offices and industrial establishments are redrawing their security plans after attacks in Mumbai last week, and so are hotels. Be prepared now to be patient as they frisk you and check your bags and also pay more for goods and services that indirectly bill you for higher security costs.

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“All starred hotels have decided to thoroughly check the baggages of guests, a security practice which was so far avoided,” said a senior official at a Mumbai five-star hotel, who asked not to be identified.

After the Taj and the Trident hotels were targeted by terrorists, offices are also ready to put more money, machines and men to guard their premises.

“We have been getting numerous calls from institutions, offices and organisation enquiring about the security solution that we provide -- which happens every time an attack takes place,” said Pramod Rao, managing director at Zicom, which makes electronic security systems.

Mumbai’s new office district, the Bandra-Kurla Complex – home to the State Bank of India’s head office and the National Stock Exchange – and popular retail stores are headed for tougher checks.

“We have decided that we will be stricter in terms of checking the contents of any baggage that consumers bring along with them,” said Ajit Joshi, CEO of Infiniti Retail.

(With inputs from Saurabh Turakhia)