Group with Mukesh backing bags Mumbai's CCTV project

Mumbai can soon hope to have better preventive security across the megapolis. 

A Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries-backed consortium, led by the Mumbai-based Allied Digital Services Ltd or ADSL, has won a Rs 1000-crore tender to install closed circuit cameras and sensors throughout Mumbai. ADSL is a technology services company with a focus on infrastructure management. 

The Maharashtra government had invited tenders for the project in the wake of the November 2008 terror attack by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorists that killed over 170 people.

The plan is for installation of cameras and sensors all over Mumbai and their integration with command and control centres, something that is done in many cities around the world, particularly in the British capital of London where every movement on roads, pavements, dark corners and public places is recorded. 

This is believed to be a major project undertaken by the Reliance consortium that seeks to enter the homeland security, defence and aerospace market in India.

In June, the Mumbai-based giant incorporated the Reliance Aerospace Technologies (P). This venture, headed by Dr Vivek Lall, will undertake production of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, onboard equipment and various defence equipment in collaboration with foreign partners.

The RIL group has also signed an agreement with French Dassault to manufacture some systems for its Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft in India. Rafale emerged as the winner in the over 18-billion dollars worth contract to buy 126 combat jets for the Indian Air Force. Although the Indian government and the French manufacturers are yet to sign  the final contract, Reliance has already entered into partnership with Rafael.  

Dr Vivek Lall, a distinguished aerospace expert who is president and CEO, formerly worked with NASA, Raytheon and Boeing. Dr Lall has also been associated with a homeland security body set up by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.