New Delhi. With the aim of strengthening strategic infrastructure along the border, the government has undertaken in a holistic and comprehensive manner to include construction of roads, strategic railway lines, tunnels to ensure all weather connectivity and to enhance the defence preparedness along the border.

 

In keeping with this strategy, a revised Long Term Roll on Works Plan of Border Roads Organisation for five years (2018-19 to 2022-23) has been formulated for construction and improvement of 272 roads of length 14,545 km.

Out of these 272 roads, 61 roads of length 3323.57 km have been identified as strategic. Work has been completed on 2304.65 km and work on balance stretches is in progress.

 

These roads would not only meet the operational requirement, but also enhance accessibility to border areas where the border infrastructure and forward connectivity is lacking.

 

Cyber and Space changed war dynamics says Army Chief

 

Cyber and space have changed the dynamics of warfare in last twenty years and “the Army has to be ready,” said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.

Speaking at a national seminar, “20 years after Kargil conflict”, organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies in the capital, he said “in these 20 years, character of warfare and its conduct has changed. Cyber and space have changed the dynamics and both will be fiercely contested. The Army has to be ready.”

Taking a tough stance on terror, he said “the steps after Uri (surgical strikes) and air strikes at Balakot showed our resolve.”

“We have come a long way since Kargil (May-July 1999). Perceived threats are being studied. Future wars would need infrastructure and robust logistics,” he said.

Apart from UAVs, he said, the Army was looking to have more ‘quad-copters’ (small drones) and tactical UAVs and these would be for the Line of Actual Control (LAC with China), the Line of Control (LoC with Pakistan) and the International Border.