EP3 : Race to The Border

2020 saw the deadliest skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan in four decades. This triggered the quickening of the pace of strategic infrastructural development along the borders. India has doubled the pace of laying roads. There has been a nearly 100% increase in budget provided to the Border

The Border Roads Organisation has deployed an all-woman unit at its highest post. Higher than the Everest base camp, the BRTF 755 is situated at Hanle at an altitude of 1500 feet. This BRTF is building roads to the Line of Actual Control in the sensitive and strategically important Eastern Ladakh Sector.

The Border Roads Organisation has been building infrastructure on a war-footing. The 121-km-long strategic CDFD road runs parallel to the Line of Actual Control in sensitive eastern Ladakh sector. This is an exclusive ground report from the road closest to the LAC.

China's unbridled provocation by building border villages along LAC is being swiftly countered by India. The govt is ramping up infrastructure in the border areas and has laid out plans to ensure the border villages are sustainable.

After the 2020 Galwan clashes, India has witnessed massive border infrastructure development along the LAC. Rs 4,800 crore has been allocated for the development of 663 border villages in the first phase of the Vibrant Villages programme.

The Sela Tunnel is the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world at an altitude of 13000 feet. The tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity and faster movement of troops to the LAC. It connects the sensitive and strategically important Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of the country. Built in territory once occupied by China in 1962, the tunnel is New Delhi's best bet to thwart Beijing's designs.