4G services will be provided at 1,117 border outposts in six years: Centre
- The Union government allocates ₹1,545.66 crore for 4G mobile services at over 1,100 border outposts.
- Tripartite agreement signed between the Department of Telecommunications, MHA, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
Key Highlights
Progress in Ladakh Under 4G Saturation Project
- Out of 379 villages and hamlets in Ladakh, mobile towers were established at nine sites, with foundation work completed at 34 sites.
- Slow progress attributed to the 2020 India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Border Road Projects and Infrastructure Development
- Construction of 48.03 km of roads along the China border in the current year.
- Addition of four border outposts and three helipads.
- Sanctioning of 32 roads and construction/upgrading of 32 helipads along the China border post the Galwan incident.
Indo-China Border Road Project (ICBR) Phases
- Initiation of the ICBR project's first phase in 2005 for 27 priority roads along the China border.
- Approval of the second phase on September 21, 2020, for further infrastructure development.
Border Village Development and Connectivity
- Emphasis on strong infrastructure development in border areas.
- Efforts to provide welfare benefits and improve connectivity to border villages.
- Introduction of the Vibrant Villages program for comprehensive development in 19 districts and 46 border blocks, covering 663 villages in the first phase.
Prelims Takeaway
- Indo-China Border Road Project
- 4G