The Hindu Business Line : Trident to open from Dec 21; top security measures on cards

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Trident to open from Dec 21; top security measures on cards

‘Additional security to be provided to all properties’.

A file picture of the Oberoi Trident hotel in Mumbai.

Shubhra Tandon

Mumbai, Dec. 4 The Oberoi Group, which will throw open the Trident to the public on December 21, is taking all steps to ensure the security of its guests, employees and properties.

In fact, the company will be incurring “significant” capital expenditure in the next few months towards buying new equipment and gadgets for security purposes.

“Right now these measures are being taken for the Mumbai properties. However, in the couple of months we are looking at providing additional security infrastructure to others across the country,” Mr S.S. Mukherji, Vice-Chairman of The Oberoi Group, told Business Line.

He did not divulge specific figures on the money spent, details of the security arrangements or the timeline for completing the process saying “these are sensitive information”. He added, “These days I am spending maximum time talking to general managers of our hotels to assess the security requirements in their properties.”

Mr Mukherji said the group had decided to speed up repair work at the Trident as the damage was relatively minimal. In the process, the message would be sent out that “India could bounce back” while boosting staff morale in the process.

The Oberoi had taken a severe beating in the attacks and it would take “at least 4-6 months” before it could get back on its feet. “Our properties are insured and so is the loss of profit. Specific details will be assessed by insurance surveillance only,” said Mr Mukherji.

He reiterated that the company already had an effective system in place for conducting background checks on permanent employees and contractual staff.

“This does not mean that we cannot take a re-look at the system. Our contracts are done through references and other dependable systems. It is for all to effectively share part of the responsibility. There is only a limit to which an individual company or hotelier can go with security.”

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