G20: CRPF commandos trained to drive left-hand bullet-proof vehicles

900 CRPF personnel will be deployed to assist in the movement of VVIPs during the G20 Summit

NEW DELHI | Updated: 01 September, 2023 5:54 pm IST

Security personnel carrying out mock drill ahead of G20 Summit in Central Delhi (TNI photo by Sumit Kumar)

NEW DELHI: In preparation for the G20 Summit, at least 450 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have undergone extensive training to serve as drivers and personal security officers (PSOs) responsible for escorting dignitaries.

These trained personnel will be operating left-hand drive bulletproof vehicles (BP) to ensure the safety and security of G20 Summit guests, according to sources.

Sources have indicated that a total of 900 CRPF personnel will be deployed to assist in the movement of VVIPs during the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9 and 10. Additionally, 48 anti-sabotage teams, accompanied by canine units from CRPF, will be conducting security checks at hotels and venues.

“These commandos have completed one month of specialized training to operate left-hand drive vehicles in the challenging traffic conditions of Delhi. Several bulletproof vehicles, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Hyundai Genesis, have been acquired or rented for the transportation of G20 dignitaries. These vehicles will be integrated into the official motorcades and serve as part of the motorcade security detail,” stated a CRPF officer.

CRPF, in collaboration with other security agencies, is jointly responsible for ensuring the safety and security of 41 heads of state attending the summit, reflecting a collective security effort.

In addition to these measures, a significant number of CRPF units will remain on standby for potential deployment throughout the national capital region. The exact numbers are subject to change based on event-specific requirements, as stated by the officer.

The anti-sabotage teams, comprising five commandos and a canine unit each, will work in coordination with the Delhi Police to conduct security checks at hotels and venues, further enhancing the security apparatus.

The Border Security Force (BSF) will oversee contingency motorcades, while the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will be responsible for the security of spouses of guests and ministers accompanying the heads of state.

Delhi Police serve as the nodal force entrusted with ensuring the event’s safe and secure execution, alongside various other security agencies.