Govt To Form Panel To Fast-Track Infrastructure Projects Along Border With China

The decision was made at a high-level meeting that was presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs a meeting to review the construction of various infrastructure projects along northern border during a high-level meeting, in New Delhi. ( Image Source :PTI )

In the midst of the 34-month-long border dispute in eastern Ladakh, the government made the decision to form a committee of secretaries to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects along China's border on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. After reviewing the progress that had been made in the construction of various infrastructure projects in the northern border areas, the decision was made at a high-level meeting that was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

In a statement, the defense ministry said, "It has been decided to set up a committee of secretaries to fast-track the pending projects, which will meet at frequent intervals," quoted PTI.

According to PTI, the ministry stated, "To expedite the pending projects, it has been decided to establish a committee of secretaries, which will meet frequently."

Participants at the meeting included Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brig BD Mishra (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Army Chief Gene Manoj Pande, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

"At a meeting today in New Delhi, reviewed extensively the progress made in the construction of various infrastructure projects along the northern border. The defense minister tweeted, "Expediting all pending projects is of the utmost importance."

Reviewed extensively the progress in construction of various infrastructure projects along the northern border at a meeting in New Delhi today. Expediting all pending projects is on top priority.https://t.co/Vd7mu5g9Uw pic.twitter.com/mUKn3j0i3Y

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 14, 2023

According to the defense ministry, Singh demanded that all pending projects be completed as soon as possible and that a "whole of nation" approach be taken in matters pertaining to national security.

Nitin Gadkari, Railways, Communications, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Power Minister RK Singh, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the meeting.

The government increased efforts to construct roads, tunnels, bridges, permanent defenses, helipads, and housing for troops along the nearly 3,488-kilometer-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in response to the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

The capital expenditure for the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been increased from Rs 3,500 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 5,000 crore in the Union budget for 2023-24 with an emphasis on improving border infrastructure.

There was a 43% increase in the allocation.

Following the eastern Ladakh row, the Indian Army is also concentrating on improving the infrastructure along the LAC.

The Army is rapidly expanding its military infrastructure, which includes the construction of roads, bridges, and ammunition depots as well as the expansion of its surveillance system, in order to facilitate the quicker mobilization of troops.