BRO developing 5000 km road in NE: Raju

Itanagar, Apr 8 (UNI) The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been developing a 5000-kilometer-long road network in the North Eastern region matching such development in Tibet region, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said.

The minister, who was on a week long tour to inspect the progress of road projects in the region, disclosed this during a meeting at Along under Arunachal's West Siang district on Thursday, official sources here today said.

The minister's observation holds significance keeping in view the dismal road connectivity in this sensitive border state where the Indian Army was out matched by the 45 years ago.

Neither the development was getting expedited nor could the required strength of troops be deployed in these areas for want of road connectivity and basic infrastructure, defence sources said.

However, Mr Raju clarified that being alive to the situation, New Delhi has taken up an ambitious plan to bring all remote and border areas of the country under road network.

While the Chinese troops reach their borders on vehicles, Indian soldiers reach the line of control after walking 13 km on foot, said Vartak chief engineer P P Porwal to highlight the eastern most border scenario of the country. Mr Porwal is in charge of six major border road projects being executed by BRO in Arunachal.

UNI