Bosch Security Systems, a subsidiary of the Bangalore-based Mico Ltd, on Saturday claimed that some of its security apparatus has been deployed on the western border to check infiltration from the other side.
Though company officials did not specify the number of communications and security equipment deployed by the Indian armed forces and the border security force in view of the sensitive nature of such information, its spokesman told rediff.com that intrusion alarm systems, high-resolution cameras and a range of detectors were installed to detect any movement from across the border.
"We cannot share the information related to the security network in place on the borders as it is the lookout of the security agencies and the defence forces. We have supplied some of the security gadgets, including passive infrared, microwave and tritech range of detectors for their security operations," the spokesman stated.
Ever since the Rs 1,550 crore (Rs 15.50 billion) Mico of the German-based Robert Bosch group acquired the communications, security and imaging business of Philips India over 6-9 months in two phases at a cost of Rs 4 crore (Rs 40 million), the subsidiary has been negotiating with a number of end-users in the public and private sectors to deploy its security products.
The detectors, outsourced from the parent company's global manufacturing facilities in the United States and Europe, including those from the Netherlands-based Philips NV are in wired and wireless category.
"The potential to install the state-of-the-art Bosch security gadgets on the borders and at vital installations across the country is huge keeping in view the heightened security concerns prevailing within and without," said Motor Industries Company Ltd joint managing director V K Viswanathan.
Bosch is also offering the central monitoring system products such as Netcom to vertical agencies in the public and private domains for diverse applications. Netcom is used for monitoring and managing individual intrusions on network panels.
"The security systems market in India is growing at 10-15 per cent annually.
High security zones, key operational areas such as airports, oil refineries, nuclear power plants, and private installations need to be equipped with the latest electronic and alarm gadgets for preventing intrusions or detecting movement by unauthorized persons," Viswanathan declared.
Bosch security apparatus is designed and customized for video observation and surveillance, digital public address and evacuation. Fire alarm systems and access control/management systems are on the anvil.
The company's closed circuit television and observation systems have been deployed in Parliament buildings, a number of airports, hotels, hospitals, and vital public utilities such as the new Delhi Metro Railway stations.
Dominated by a handful of organized global players and a number of local OEMs, the security systems market in India is in the order of Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion).
Currently, 5-6 leading players import the hi-tech security machinery is imported into India by the five leading players, including Mico and Pilco on a basic customs of 25 per cent.
Incidentally, Bosch group also acquired the US-based Detection Systems Inc., a leading electronic security equipment manufacturer, with presence in Western Europe, Australia and China.