Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120359510300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Hotels tighten security

Deepika Arwind

Bangalore: All metros in the country are witnessing a frenzied beefing up of safety measures. With two star hotels in Mumbai witnessing carnage by terrorists, it is little wonder that hotels in Bangalore are looking at heightened security.

As one drives down the entrance of a hotel like The Lalit Ashok, it is evident that there is increased vigilance. Security guards check the ID and the vehicle thoroughly before one walks through a metal detector. Next, all belongings go through a process of checking.

At the Royal Orchid Hotel, off Old Airport Road, autorickshaws are not allowed inside while the underside of cars is checked with mirrors. One is allowed in only after the security personnel have gone through the bags and purses.

Hotels with a “three-star” status like the Gateway and The Richmond Hotel have also upgraded their security.

Malls, multiplexes

In malls and multiplexes, there are additional security guards, more number of CCTVs than one can actually see, and even the number of attendants at parking lots has increased. However, owners of smaller hotels, which see a minimum of 100 people a day, say that they would lose business if they were to introduce a security check before their customers enter. “It is difficult and expensive and people want to come here for a quick bite — we have to keep that in mind,” said B. Shyamalan, owner of a small hotel in Jayanagar that serves south Indian snacks.

Patient public

The public seems more patient about waiting in lines to go through security checks. “At first it seemed unnecessary and we would get irritated when we were in a hurry. But now, sadly, it just seems like the most logical thing,” said Bharat S. and Nikhil Ramesh, regular visitors at The Forum Mall.

Private security agencies, in the face of the anticipated demand, raise some very valid points. “In general, employers need to increase their budget for security. The next thing to do is for the government to allow us to hire those with automatic weapons and not just rifles,” said Sanjeev Saini, Director, Dynamic Security and Detective Agency Private Limited.