Question : Border Infrastructure Projects

(a) the initiative(s) taken/to be taken by the Government in accelerating border infrastructure projects through Border Roads Organisation (BRO);

(b) whether there is also a need to ensure lateral links parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for strategic purposes and if so, the measures taken/to be taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) the sectors in which such projects are going on; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken to expedite construction of border roads, especially those along the Indo-China border?

MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE


(a) to (d): The initiatives taken by the Government to accelerate the progress of border infrastructure projects through BRO are mentioned below:-
(i) EPC contract has been allowed to augment the capacity of BRO.
(ii) Enhanced financial and administrative powers have been given to the executives of BRO.
(iii) Based on the request of the Ministry, State/UT Governments of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have constituted the Empowered Committee to resolve the issues pertaining to BRO.
Development of lateral links is undertaken all along the Northern borders as per the operational requirement.
Regular monitoring of the works progress is taken up for the expeditious construction of border roads, including those along the Indo-China border.

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