Defence News
Army plans 17 tunnels between Ladakh and Arunachal to counter growing Chinese presence along LAC
Seeking to tackle the growing Chinese military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian Army is planning to build 17 major tunnels between Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to improve connectivity by roads for rapid deployment of troops.
The force has already given the proposal to the defence ministry, which includes nine high-priority tunnels to be built in different areas along the LAC, sources told India Today TV.
“The government is preparing to build one tunnel close to the China border in Arunachal Pradesh which would be built at an altitude of 11,000 to 12,000 feet with two lanes for military class vehicular traffic,” a source in the army said.
“These tunnels would also help us to ensure that our troops remain deployed in the far flung areas in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh round the year, and if required, can be moved in rapidly,” the source added.
During defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh recently, a particular tunnel had come up for discussion during one of the briefings, and it was noted that the tunnel would help the troops in avoiding the Se La pass at 13,000 feet and also cut short the travel distance.
“The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already started acquiring the required land from the government of Arunachal Pradesh and work is expected to commence shortly,” they said.
