It will be a nightmare for unauthorised or stray vehicles to enter Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat, Karnataka, in the near future, as high tech security systems under installation will allow only electronically recognised vehicles inside the premises.

Hi-tech security in place

A couple of weeks to go and then on, Vidhana Soudha will be swamped by hi-tech security checking and surveillance devices such as pop-up 'tyre killers', automatic 'boom barricades' and vehicle scanner machines.

Post the attack on Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the police have been relentlessly trying to heighten the security measures. Reportedly, bullet-proof bunkers, which even Parliament does not boast of, have already been installed at the four Vidhana Soudha gates. These bunkers with search-light and air-conditioning enable the guards manning them to open fire from inside their protective den.

Harish Vellat, MD, South Asia, HID Global, said, "This project was managed through Godrej and Boyce who are HID’s channel partners. Godrej and Boyce have integrated the HID Proximity (125 kHz) Contactless Card/ Reader technology as part of the overall security system. The objective of using electronic identification of vehicle is to allow for greater security yet with better convenience. Replacing a low secure solution such as a sticker or paper permit gives potential room for easy duplication. It additionally slows or reduces the monitoring process since it requires manual intervention with security personnel verifying each vehicle."

Smart cards used smartly

As many as 1500 vehicles will be identified and provided smart cards with embedded security clearance and a device mounted in the gates, eliminating the need for physical verification of such vehicles.

The system comprises of a reader installed next to the boom barrier and a prox tag, fixed on the windshield of the vehicle. The entry reader decodes the tag ID and transmits it to a host access system, which operates the gate. There is also the possibility of linking the access systems to the IT system so that the data regarding the time of entry and exit of every vehicle can be stored and audited later.

Other technologies used

HID also offers applications in access technology that allow hands-free access solutions to identify a vehicle and its authorised driver. This allows vehicle gates to be operated remotely in high security places like airports and government facilities. These devices only represent the first level of protection, which has already been sanctioned.

The second level is yet to receive clearance and includes heightened security for legislator's home and Raj Bhavan as well. The next generation measures include a biometric-type scanning tag, which will scan vehicles approaching the gates at speeds of up to 15 km and provide ground clearance only for authorised vehicles. The gates will remain shut for unauthorised vehicles or ones without the tag.