Even as New Delhi and Beijing are trying to break the deadlock at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, China is rapidly enhancing its infrastructure across the border in the east in Arunachal Pradesh.
Sounding this note of caution, Eastern Command Chief Lt General RP Kalita revealed on Monday that China has built villages close to the LAC which can be used for dual purpose. However, he assured that India has also stepped up its efforts to improve connectivity to meet any challenge.
“Across the Line of Actual Control in the Tibet region, a lot of infrastructure development is going on. The other side is constantly upgrading their road, rail and air connectivity so that they are in a better position to respond to a situation or mobilise forces,” Kalita said at a Press conference in Guwahati.
The Chinese authorities have built border villages close to the LAC that can be used for dual purposes, Kalita said.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation. We are also upgrading our infrastructure and capabilities as well as the mechanism to handle the situation. These have put us in a robust position,” he added.
The Indian Army Commander acknowledged that difficult terrain and inclement weather conditions have been the biggest challenges while enhancing capabilities and infrastructure in forward locations.
His observations came against the backdrop of China having already constructed several airports and helipads besides train and road connectivity in the Tibetan plateau thereby ensuring all weather back up to its troops on the border facing India.
Over the years, China has built all-weather roads leading right up to the border with India all across the 4,000 km long LAC stretching from Ladakh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
The Indian Government too is making serious efforts to counter the Chinese buildup. The Ministry of Home Affairs in April informed the Lok Sabha that the Government has allocated six times more funds for infrastructure development along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. It has been increased from Rs 42.87 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 249.12 crore in 2021-22.
Addressing BRO personnel on the occasion of its 63rd Raising Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the Government, on its part, is making all efforts to provide the required support to the BRO in this direction. Rajnath described the development of border areas as a major part of the government’s comprehensive defence strategy, noting it will bolster the security apparatus of the country and bring a positive change in the lives of people residing in remote areas.
Underlining the importance of roads, bridges and tunnels in the progress of a nation, Rajnath said the projects completed by the BRO have enhanced the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and improved the socio-economic conditions of the people living in far-flung areas.
In 2021-22, a total of 102 infrastructure projects - 87 bridges and 15 roads - were completed by the BRO - the most in a single year. This included construction of world's longest highway tunnel, above 10,000 feet Atal Tunnel, Rohtang and world highest motorable road over Umling La in Eastern Ladakh.
