The Indian government has decided to establish a committee of secretaries to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects along the border with China. The move comes amidst a long-standing border dispute with China in the eastern Ladakh region. The decision was made after a high-level meeting chaired by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, which reviewed the progress of various infrastructure projects along the northern border areas.
Singh called for the prioritization of all pending projects and stated that a “whole of nation” approach should be adopted in matters of national security. The meeting was attended by several ministers, including Nitin Gadkari, Ashwini Vaishnaw, RK Singh, and Bhupender Yadav. The National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and other officials, such as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, and the Ladakh Lt Governor, Brig BD Mishra (Retd), were also present.
The defence minister tweeted that they reviewed the progress of various infrastructure projects along the northern border and that expediting all pending projects is a top priority. The government has been focusing on building roads, tunnels, bridges, permanent defences, helipads, and habitats for troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which is nearly 3,488 km long, following the eastern Ladakh border standoff.
Singh has been closely monitoring the implementation of various infrastructure projects along the northern border. The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) capital outlay has been increased to ₹5,000 crore in the Union budget for 2023-24, up from ₹3,500 crore in 2022-23, with a focus on boosting border infrastructure. The Indian Army is also focusing on enhancing infrastructure along the LAC following the eastern Ladakh row.
The government’s decision to establish a committee of secretaries is a significant step towards fast-tracking the implementation of critical infrastructure projects along the northern border. The move demonstrates the government’s commitment to bolstering border infrastructure and strengthening national security.
The committee’s frequent meetings will ensure that pending projects are expedited, and progress is monitored closely. The “whole of nation” approach, as advocated by the defence minister, emphasizes the need for collective effort and collaboration to achieve the common goal of ensuring national security.
The presence of several high-ranking officials, including ministers and governors, at the meeting underscores the significance of the issue at hand. The government’s increased focus on border infrastructure reflects the growing recognition of the importance of securing India’s borders and protecting its sovereignty.
The construction of roads, bridges, and ammunition depots, as well as the strengthening of surveillance apparatus, will enable the Indian Army to mobilize troops quickly and respond effectively to any potential security threats along the northern border.
The government’s decision to increase the BRO’s capital outlay and establish a committee of secretaries highlights its commitment to enhancing border infrastructure and securing the country’s borders. The move is likely to have a significant impact on the progress of pending infrastructure projects along the northern border, facilitating quicker completion and ensuring greater preparedness to meet any security challenges.
The government’s decision to set up a committee of secretaries to expedite infrastructure projects along the northern border is a positive step towards strengthening national security. The move reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering border infrastructure and ensuring preparedness to meet any potential security challenges. With the frequent meetings of the committee of secretaries, pending projects are expected to be expedited, and progress closely monitored, leading to quicker completion and greater preparedness along the northern border.
