27 Indo-China border roads put on fast track

A few months after the Doklam standoff ended, the Government plans to expedite construction of 27 roads of operational significance on the IndiaChina border with the aim of strengthening the infrastructure in and around the sensitive region. The home ministry is likely to seek Cabinet’s approval regarding fresh time schedules for these roads, top sources said.

According to official sources, the total length of these 27 roads, which are currently under construction, is around 800 km, and are being constructed by the Home Ministry. Eight out of these 27 roads have already been completed. The Union Home Ministry is learnt to have mooted a proposal to the Cabinet committee on Security (CCS) regarding fresh timelines for the construction of these roads.

There is a likelihood that the committee may clear the proposal during its meeting which is scheduled to take place today. The timely completion of these crucial roads will help in improving

the connectivity in the sensitive region, which is spread across many states, and facilitate faster movement of troops in the face of any military standoff in future.

The Doklam standoff had begun on June 16 and ended after more than two months on August 29. While New Delhi has been focussing on improving the infrastructure along the India-China border, the Doklam showdown seems to have renewed the sense of urgency within the security establishments.