Smart Ports, Smarter Security

Gallagher Security India powers smart transformation at global Port

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In a landmark initiative to modernize operations and enhance security, Gallagher Security India partnered with a key Indian Port to deliver the access management backbone for its Smart Port initiative.

Gallagher was entrusted with designing and implementing a fully integrated system that unified vehicle access, staff and visitor management, as well as automated payments, all under one intelligent platform.

This transformation has enabled the Port to operate with greater speed, efficiency, and security.

Background

As part of its Smart Port vision, a Port Authority identified access and congestion management as a critical area for improvement.

DeneshKumar V, Gallagher Security India’s General Manager, says rather than seeking a standalone access system, the Port Authority was looking for a future-ready, integrated solution that could address operational inefficiencies and evolving security needs.

“Gallagher’s proven track record in securing critical infrastructure, combined with its India-specific engineering capabilities, positioned us as the ideal partner to support this important transformation,” says Denesh.

Gallagher’s partnership with the Port officially began in July 2024, with support from Sentinel Technologies, Gallagher’s Channel Partner based in Chennai.

Over the course of nine months, Gallagher collaborated closely with the Port Authority to design, integrate, and deploy the access control system.

Denesh says by April 2025, the system was fully operational, marking the successful completion of Gallagher’s first collaboration with the Port.

This initiative highlights Gallagher’s commitment to delivering solutions that go beyond traditional security, by supporting operational efficiency, resilience, and user experience in complex environments.


DeneshKumar V, General Manager - Gallagher Security India

“The Port faced several pressing challenges that needed to be addressed.

“Congestion and delays at entry points were creating inefficiencies, largely due to manual checks and fragmented systems. These issues were slowing down cargo movement and impacting turnaround times.

“At the same time, the Port’s security requirements had become more complex, with a growing need to safeguard against unauthorized access, identity fraud, and potential intrusions.

“Our objective was to implement a solution that could simultaneously enhance speed, improve user experience, and strengthen security without disrupting daily operations,” says Denesh.

Gallagher responded by deploying a multi-layered access management system that incorporated their advanced, award-winning technologies.

The solution featured triple authentication using Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Ultra High Frequency readers, and biometric verification.

Integration with the Port Wallet application enabled automated toll payments, helping to eliminate delays at checkpoints. Centralized dashboards provided real-time visibility of all movements across the site, supporting improved decision-making.

"The system was built so that it could easily connect and work with different technologies including UHF readers from Bosch, biometric systems from Idemia, and locally developed applications like Port Wallet. This means the hardware and software components can communicate and function together smoothly, without needing major changes or causing technical issues,” says Denesh.

The impact

Since the implementation of the new system, the Port has experienced significant improvements in its daily operations.

Vehicle entry times have reduced, easing congestion and enabling a smoother cargo flow.

The integration of automated payments has streamlined toll processing, while centralized monitoring has improved the Port’s operational efficiency and security oversight.

"The Port’s overall security has improved, thanks to features like real-time alerts for unusual activity and biometric ID checks, which help make the system stronger and more reliable,” says Denesh.

This project aligns directly with Gallagher’s broader vision of building smart, secure, and seamless infrastructure to power India’s future.

“This initiative highlights Gallagher’s commitment to delivering solutions that go beyond traditional security, by supporting operational efficiency, resilience, and user experience in complex environments,” says Denesh.

“Ports represent a unique category of critical infrastructure, facing risks that range from unauthorized entry and cargo tampering to potential terror threats. Gallagher’s solution addresses these challenges through multi-layered authentication, biometric verification, and centralized monitoring that can flag anomalies in real time. By combining physical security with intelligent software, this new security system ensures that security is proactive rather than reactive, creating long-term resilience against evolving threats.”

The Port project stands as a milestone in Gallagher Security India’s journey.

Through innovation, collaboration, and precision, Gallagher has helped the Port unlock more from its operations - demonstrating that security, when intelligently designed, can transform the way critical infrastructure functions.


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