The recent turn of events has brought China back into the news, as it embarks on a project to construct a railway line that will connect Sichuan province with Tibet’s Nyingchi. This location lies near the Arunachal Pradesh border, which is strategically significant considering India’s relationship with China.
About the New Railway Line
This new railway construction will be the second route of its kind, linking Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with the mainland China. The previous Qinghai-Tibet railway line had connected Lhasa to the mainland, bringing about substantial changes to the region’s logistics and transportation.
Implications for India
The ramifications of this railway line come with both security and ecological concerns for India.
Security Concerns
One of the concerns is that the railway line might improve China’s ability to transport military personnel, equipment, and supplies to the border area, thereby increasing their efficiency. This could potentially give China an advantage during direct standoffs near the Arunachal Pradesh border, similar to the ones witnessed during the Doklam or the recent Ladakh standoff.
Doklam Issue
The Doklam incident involved Indian troops intervening to prevent Chinese soldiers from building roadworks on the Doklam plateau, a part of Bhutan’s territory claimed by Beijing.
Ecological Concerns
Furthermore, the project may have harmful ecological implications, considering the fragile environment along the project line.
India’s Response
In response to these developments, India has taken several steps towards improving infrastructure along the China border. This includes spending 10% of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) funds to build infrastructure. Recently, the Defence Minister virtually laid the foundation of a tunnel at Nechiphu in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh to shorten the travel time for troops.
Infrastructure Development
Several other initiatives have been undertaken like the construction of Daporijo bridge over Subansiri river in Arunachal Pradesh by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), within just 27 days. Similarly, an all-weather tunnel is being constructed under the Se La pass in Arunachal Pradesh.
State Government’s Initiative
The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has advocated for infrastructure development along international borders, to prevent migration to urban centers. This includes selecting ten census towns along the India-China border as pilot projects.
Additional Defence Infrastructure
The Defence Minister inaugurated the Sisseri River Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, connecting Dibang Valley and Siang. The Indian Air Force has also resurfaced the runway at India’s easternmost village, Vijaynagar, in Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, the Indian Army has conducted the exercise ‘HimVijay’ in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam with newly created Integrated Battle Groups (IBG).
Connecting Road-Rail Bridges
A significant initiative was the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge, India’s longest road-rail bridge, which connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
Initiated in 1986-87 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the BADP aims to maintain a balance of border areas through infrastructure development and promotion of a sense of security among the population. It covers 17 states and provides funds for executing projects relating to infrastructure, livelihood, education, health, agriculture, and allied sectors.
Sectors of India-China Border
The boundary shared by India and China stretches 3,488 km from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh and is divided into three sectors. Each of these sectors holds strategic significance for the nations involved.
To protect its interests efficiently, India needs to remain vigilant about China’s developments near the border and build robust infrastructure in difficult border areas.
