India shares its borders with China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. Most of these borders are mountainous in nature and difficult to navigate, even during summer seasons, and are home to numerous habitations. Prioritization of infrastructure development in large population areas, focus on economic profitability during the colonial period, the existence of inner line permits, and lack of resources resulted in infrastructure deficit in these areas. Infrastructure development in border regions is critical for socio-economic development as well as national security, as it aids in the following:

• Inclusive growth: Investing in border infrastructure plays a significant role in the overall development of a region. Further, it helps in promoting tourism in these areas, which results in higher economic opportunities and reduces poverty and unemployment.
• Better trade relations: Robust border infrastructure helps in building trade ties with the neighboring countries. For example, India-Bangladesh border haats.
• Reverse out-migration: Infrastructure development in border villages reduces massive out-migration of native people. For instance, Vibrant Village Programmes help encourage people to stay in their native locations in border areas. This not only addresses social issues but also enhances the security of a region, as the natives are the first line of defense and source of critical intelligence.
• Robust surveillance: Smugglers, drug traffickers, and terrorists often take advantage of poor surveillance and infrastructure at borders. Thus, the modernization of integrated check ports, roads, bridges, etc. would prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, refugees, and drugs across the porous frontiers of the country.
• Enhances capacity to handle external challenges: Infrastructure development in the border areas enhances the mobility, survivability, and flexibility of armed forces and enables the security forces to meet the offensive and defensive needs effectively.

In recent years, the government has continually focused on the development of border areas and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has played a central role in this context in the following manner:

• Developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC): The BRO has developed strategic roads and other infrastructure along the China border areas in recent years that have improved India’s operational preparedness and enhanced its strategic posture along the LAC.
• Maintenance of roads: The BRO plays a crucial role in ensuring that roads remain open and navigable even during snowfall periods in the Himalayan regions. For this, snow clearance and the development of tunnels have been undertaken.
• Integrated checkpoints: The development and modernization of integrated checkpoints for smoother flow of people and trade with Nepal and Bhutan have been done by the BRO.
• Opening up of passes and tunnels: A significant number of tunnels and passes like the Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass, etc. have been opened up by the BRO in India.
• Disaster management: During landslides and other natural disasters, the BRO plays an active role by ensuring that the damaged infrastructure is rebuilt as soon as possible while emergency structures are put in place for relief and movement operations.

Although, in recent years, there has been rationalization of the role of the BRO with greater funding, and integration of technology, however, there should be more emphasis on its ability to complete infrastructure in a time-bound manner. This would not only reduce the time and cost overruns but also bridge the gap with our neighbors, especially China, and bring people living in border areas closer to the national mainstream.