Secure transportation & Security Drivers in India

India

Secure transportation for VIPs in India

Ultra-high net worth individuals travelling to India?

It’s an amazing and colourful country, but is also a place where people in vehicles may be attacked or targeted for extortion. So it’s essential to have a trained security driver on the team who drives a well-maintained vehicle and who knows how to get safely out of a sticky situation.

We have a strong presence in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. As well as private aviation and secure ground transportation, we can provide executive protection in these locations.

We are also able to provide transport for people who wish to see iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal and Jaipur.

India

Security drivers in India

The roads are typically busy, and India has a high death rate from road accidents. Driving can be especially dangerous in rural areas due to wandering livestock. Cows are considered sacred, so accidents involving cattle can even lead to violence.

Don’t be concerned if the driver uses the horn or flashes the vehicle headlights frequently to announce their presence – this is the normal way of driving over there.

Our security drivers in India hold all the relevant permits, so there won’t be an issue about paperwork.

While Hindi is the official language of government, English is used extensively for business. Our drivers are all English-speaking, and we can provide translators to ease communication.

 

India

Security vehicles in India

As with all the destinations we serve, we do a thorough risk assessment in advance.

Depending on the threat level we identify, we can use a luxury limousine, armoured personnel carrier (as used by military forces), or a bulletproof SUV to provide top-notch protection. We might even recommend a local taxi to blend in seamlessly!

Whichever vehicle or fleet makes most sense for our client and their entourage, our security drivers will know how to manoeuvre safely and speedily to arrive at the desired destination in comfort.

 

Overview of India

India is highly diverse, and the world’s most populous democracy. The poverty rate is reducing, but there is still gender inequality, child malnutrition and rising levels of air pollution.

The country can experience extreme weather events that threaten life and disrupt infrastructure, including buildings, roads and communications.

The monsoon season usually runs from June to October, and can cause:

  • Flooding, including in big cities
  • Landslides causing towns and villages to be cut off
  • Serious disruption to road and train travel
  • Disruption to essential services including telephone lines, internet services and electricity

Tropical cyclones and earthquakes are also a risk.

We can advise on the best time of the year to travel to any region of India.

Jaipur

Case study: Security driving (and problem solving) in India

Here’s how we resolved a situation in India.

The client wanted a specific vehicle, but there wasn’t one available where they were staying. In fact, there wasn’t one within a 50-mile radius.

We eventually sourced the requested vehicle but it was a 15-hour drive away, including stops. So we arranged a driver to bring the vehicle to the location where it was required.

The next challenge was that the person who was bringing the vehicle all that way had no knowledge of the local area, so couldn’t be entrusted to drive our client around.

We aim to solve any challenge we’re faced with. So we arranged to swap the out-of-town driver for a driver who worked for an exclusive hotel nearby.

The local driver knew all the roads and shortcuts and was certainly up to the job. Meanwhile, the out-of-town driver could work for the hotel, mainly taking guests to and from the airport.

The result was one very happy client and security team.

This is just one example of the level of service we provide. If you need security drivers in India or anywhere in the world, please get in touch.

Security risks in India

Police corruption is rife in India, and bribery is common.

We advise you to respect local dress codes and customs. For example, laws on alcohol vary by state, and it is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, such as parks. It’s also illegal to smoke in most public places, and e-cigarettes are banned. Also, it is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones and GPS devices in India unless you have a licence.

The country suffers from the ongoing trade in illegal drugs, and trafficking in humans, arms, and wildlife.

Cybercrime is also rising.

Note that there is a higher risk of crime at night.

Violent crime

There is a risk of foreign visitors being robbed or assaulted, including attacks on female visitors in tourist areas.

The latest available data shows that the murder rate has reduced, but kidnapping and rape have increased, with Delhi having the highest crime rate and Kolkata reportedly being the safest city.

Non-violent crime

There have been reports of spiked drinks and food, so we recommend you don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, and never leave your drinks unattended.

Pickpocketing is a risk in crowded areas.

Terrorism

There’s a heightened risk of terrorist activity in some regions of India. That said, security has been strengthened at major airports and transport hubs. However, it’s wise to be careful, especially in:

  • restaurants, hotels, bars and markets
  • places of worship and tourist attractions
  • festivals, sports venues and beaches

Riots

In India, political rallies and demonstrations happen frequently, often at short notice, and can become violent. The risks are higher during elections and after a party or government leader dies.

Events

India is a land of vibrant events, such as the Teej Fair and Festival in Jaipur. Religious festivals including Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated across the country.

Visitors should take particular care during periods of national or religious significance. These include:

  • Republic Day: 26 January
  • Independence Day: 15 August
  • Diwali: usually in October or November
  • Eid: changeable feast

Annual business events include the India International Leather Fair (Chennai), and Bharat Tex (Textile Exhibition). There are also regular tech summits, cyber summits, and career fairs.

For security drivers in India
Contact us