05 Apr India’s Border Infrastructure push
India’s Border Infrastructure push
This article covers ‘Daily current affairs’ and the topic details the article ’India’s Border Infrastructure push’ which published in observers research foundation.This topic has relevance in the International relations and security section of GS2 and GS3 of UPSC CSE exam.
Why in the news?
In early March, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Sino-India border. This tunnel is crucial for strengthening India’s defense at the Border region to counter China’s aggression at the border.
PM Modi’s visit in Arunachal pradesh for the inauguration of sela tunnel was criticized by China which it claims as its eastern territory and part of Tibet.
China has developed state-of-the-art infrastructure across the Sino-Indian border as well in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR)
About Sela tunnel:
According to an Indian media report, the Sela tunnel project, including the tunnels — a main tunnel and an escape tunnel for emergency services — the approach and link roads is around 12 km.
It will reduce the distance between the strategically critical monastery town of Tawang and Dirangby by 12 km and save around 90 minutes for travelers in each direction.More importantly, the tunnel provides a huge relief from weather-related issues.
Need for building border Infrastructure:
Unfriendly neighborhood- India is having tough relations on its northern frontier with China and Pakistan. There is also the possibility of a two front war as increasing closeness between China and Pakistan.
Hilly terrain- The geography in the northern frontier includes himalayan mountains and cold desert. Where it is highly difficult to mobilize army personnel.
Chinese aggression- China’s salami slicing strategy, which reflects an aggressive attitude towards neighboring countries which is visible in its border incursions in ladakh’s Galwan valley, Doklam in Bhutan(an important strategic point for India).
Neglected areas- Many border regions especially in North- eastern frontier were neglected till the last decade. Chinese claim on the Arunachal pradesh compels India to build strong border Infrastructure.
Strategic advantage- As the world is getting more and more polarized considering the recent conflict in Ukraine and the Middle east, building a resilient border infrastructure is part of India’s futuristic insight for its national security.
Recent initiatives for building border infrastructure
Bharatmala Project: Launched in 2017, Bharatmala is a flagship road development program aimed at connecting major cities and economic corridors across the country. A significant portion of this project focuses on enhancing road connectivity in border areas to facilitate easier movement of goods and personnel.
Vibrant village program: Building hitherto neglected villages which are sparsely populated across border areas. It also aims to boost tourism and infrastructure development of these regions.
Strategic Roads and Bridges: There has been a concerted effort to construct strategic roads and bridges along India’s borders, especially in regions prone to security challenges. These roads and bridges not only improve accessibility for border security forces but also aid in faster deployment during emergencies.
Border Infrastructure Development Fund (BIDF): The Border Infrastructure Development Fund was established to ensure systematic development of infrastructure along India’s borders. It provides funding for the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in border areas.
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Integrated Check Posts have been set up at key border crossings to facilitate trade and commerce while ensuring security. These facilities provide customs clearance, immigration services, and other amenities to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across the border.
Strategic Railway Lines: In addition to road infrastructure, there are plans to develop strategic railway lines along the border to enhance connectivity and logistics support for defense forces.
In the past, India has faced a loss of its territory to China due to neglect of its security architecture. India can no longer afford the same to happen again. That is why focussing on building border Infrastructure is crucial strategic move for national security
Diownload plutus ias current affairs eng med 5th April 2024
Prelims Question
Border road organization, the body to develop the border Infrastructure comes under which ministry.
- Ministry of home
- Ministry of Industries
- Ministry of defense
- Ministry of road, transport and highways
Mains question
Border infrastructure connectivity is crucial for any country’s national security. Discuss.
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