4G mobile services for 1,117 border outposts in next six years says MHA
In a year-end review, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has spoken significant developments in infrastructure withal the China verge and the clearance of 4G mobile services for over 1,100 verge outposts, including those withal the India-China border.
The MHA revealed that the Union government has sanctioned ₹1,545.66 crore for the deployment of 4G mobile services at 1,117 verge outposts and intelligence posts withal India’s international borders, emphasizing the need for robust liaison infrastructure in strategic areas. A tripartite try-on involving the Department of Telecommunications, MHA, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has been signed for the execution of this project over the next six-and-a-half years.
However, this year has seen a slower pace in implementing the 4G saturation project in Ladakh, with mobile phone towers established at only nine out of 379 tried sites. The foundation work has been completed at 34 sites, highlighting the challenges and delays in enhancing digital connectivity in verge regions.
On the infrastructure front, 48.03 kilometers of roads have been synthetic withal the China border, and four verge outposts and three helipads have been added. This minutiae comes without the Union government sanctioned 32 roads withal the China verge in the produce of the Galwan incident in June 2020.
The Indo-China verge road project (ICBR), initiated in 2005, has witnessed significant progress, with the MHA’s clearance of the second phase in 2020. The current report moreover mentions the construction and upgrading of 32 helipads withal the China verge to enhance strategic mobility.
Additionally, 184.39 kilometers of roads have been synthetic withal the Bangladesh border, and 120.06 kilometers withal the Nepal border. This comprehensive tideway aims to perpetuate connectivity and infrastructure withal various international borders.
The MHA highlighted the construction of 88 verge outposts in the past year, including those withal the Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan borders. Furthermore, fencing measures have been implemented, with 2.4 kilometers of the verge with Myanmar and 18 kilometers of the verge with Pakistan stuff fenced for enhanced security.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of strong infrastructure in verge areas and outlined efforts to modernize the quality of life for residents. Under the Vibrant Villages programme, comprehensive minutiae initiatives have been tried for villages on the northern border. This initiative aims to encourage people to stay in their native locations, reversing outmigration trends and contributing to improved verge security. In the first phase, 663 villages will be targeted for development, focusing on essential infrastructure and livelihood opportunities.
