Army's steps for swift movement along China border

In the backdrop of the 73-day- long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along the Sino-Indian border and tasked its Corps of Engineers (CoE) to vigorously work on it to ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary.

Official sources said the CoE has already initiated a series of steps including placing orders for latest versions of various mountain cutting, road laying machines and equipment; besides procuring assault tracks for fast movement of troops.

The sources said the Army headquarters ordered over 1,000 dual track mine detectors to enhance CoE's mine detection capability.

Over 100 excavators with latest features are also being procured to increase the existing capability of engineers to lay operational track along mountainous regions in the Northern sector

The sources said over 50 short span bridges and a sizeable number of assault tracks for quick movement are also being procured to increase their mobility.

Recently, the Army has also finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore.

BRO's help

As per the plan, the engineers will initially lay roads in mountainous terrains and if necessary they will be further strengthened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

In 2005, the Border Road Organisation was asked to construct 73 roads in the strategically important regions along the Sino-India border but there has been huge delay in implementation of the project which has apparently left the Army unhappy.

Who are CoE?

India and China share a 4,000-km-long border. The 237 year-old CoE provides key combat engineering support and maintains connectivity in key border regions for speedy movement of troops and artillery.

The first company of CoE was raised in 1780 and the organisation celebrated its raising day on November 18.