(a) whether the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has taken up road construction works in border areas adjoining China and Pakistan;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to form a separate company to implement road projects in the border areas of the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the other steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for improving connectivity in border areas of the country?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The roads of strategic importance as identified by Army are taken up by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for construction / improvement works.
(c) & (d): A new company National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been created under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) for exclusively dealing with the task of constructing / widening of National Highways in parts of the country sharing international boundaries with neighbouring countries.
(e) Steps have been taken for improving the connectivity in border areas by BRO. Some of these are:
(i) BRO has been directed to focus on core strategic functions on the Northern Border.
(ii) Certain roads have been identified as strategic Indo-China border roads for development by BRO.
(iii) A number of other strategic roads have also been identified for development for improving connectivity.
(iv) In addition various other projects in border areas are taken up by MoRT&H, NHAI and State Governments.