Patrolling road to come up at Attari-Wagah ICP

THE 1.5KM ROAD WILL FACILITATE BSF TO GUARD THE AREA ON TWO AND FOUR-WHEELERS

AMRITSAR: To boost security of the integrated check post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, which facilitates India’s trade with Pakistan and Afghanistan, a patrolling road will be constructed for the Border Security Force (BSF) troops.

The 1.5km bitumen road will be laid in three months along the boundary wall inside the ICP. The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which manages the ICP’s affairs, has earmarked Rs 1.5 crore for the project. Once constructed, the road will felicitate BSF troops in patrolling the area in two or four-wheelers. Presently, the security personnel of India’s first line of defence patrol along the ICP’s surrounding wall on foot, which is an arduous task as the area is rough and bumpy.

“The work on the three-layered road will begin in a day or two and will be handed over to the BSF within three months. Sapling of fast-growing shade trees will also be planted on both sides of the road,” said a senior LPAI official, who didn’t wish to be named.He said: “To keep strict vigil at the ICP, we have set up 16 towers for the BSF sentinels, besides installing high definition security cameras.”

ICP’s manager Sukhdev Singh the project is aimed at increasing security at the ICP.

Paving of holding area

As trucks get stuck in the mud, the LPAI has decided to pave the “holding area” at the ICP. The holding area is used for stationing trucks that import goods into India. “The tenders for the project will be floated soon,” said an official of the ICP.

Barracks for BSF personnel

In another security measure at the border, the LPAI is constructing barracks for BSF personnel.

“The Rs 33-crore project will allow the BSF troops to stay at the border 24x7. Presently, the troops stay at quarters in Khasa, which is around 20km from the border.