China begins work on rail line upto Arunachal border- 13th Nov- the Hindu
Published on
Nov-24-2020
· China begins work on rail line upto Arunachal border- the Hindu-13th November
(GS 2- Effect of policies of developing countries on India’s interests; GS 3- Security challenges and their management in border areas)
In News
· China has commenced work on its second strategically significant major rail link to Tibet-that will link Sinchuan province with Nyingchi.
About the Rail Link Project
Modalities of the Rail Link Project
o The first segment of the line within Sichuan province, from Chengdu to Yaan, was completed in December 2018.
o The 435 km section from Nyingchi-Lhasa segment has been under construction since 2015, and will be finished by the end of 2021.
o Work on the 1,011 km-section from Yaan to Nyingchi, is expected to be completed by 2030.
o This includes a 525 metre-long bridge across the Yarlung Zangbo river (as the Brahmaputra is called in Tibet) built at an altitude of 3,350 metres making it the world's highest concrete-filled steel tube arch railway bridge.
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Which was the first Rail Link Project prior to this one? Qinghai-Tibet railway line in 2006 connected Xining (Qinghai Province) to Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region of China)
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Difficulties in the Rail Link Project=
o The complex geological and topographical features.
o Harsh climatic conditions.
o Fragile ecological environment along the railway line.
Importance of the Rail Link Project for the Chinese
Economic
o This will link Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to the hinterland thereby opening socio-economic avenues in the far flung southwestern regions.
o It will aid in transportation of advanced equipment and technologies from the rest of China to Tibet and bring local products out.
Saving of precious travel time
o The entire line will run from Chengdu to Lhasa, connecting the two capitals of TAR and Sichuan and cut the journey from 48 hours to 13 hours.
Strategic/Defence Significance
o It will run upto Nyingchi near the Indian border
o In the event of any border crisis this rail line can quickly boost military’s logistical supplies.
How has the Chinese described this railway line?
“A major step in safeguarding national unity and a significant move in promoting economic and social development of the western region.”-Xi jingping
Is it a cause of concern for India?
o The railway runs upto Nyingchi which lies near the border with India’s Arunachal Pradesh.
o In the event of any border crisis, this railway line has the potential to act as ‘fast track’ for delivery of men and materials.
o Owing to its proximity to China's southwest border areas, it will largely improve the efficiency and convenience of military personnel and material transportation and logical supplies.
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Which force guards Indo-China border? The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) is the Border Guarding Force at Indo-China Border. Indo-Tibetan Border Police was raised on October 24, 1962 for reorganizing the frontier intelligence and security set up along the Indo-Tibetan border. ITBP was initially raised under the CRPF Act. However, in 1992, parliament enacted the ITBPF Act and the rules there under were framed in 1994.
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What should be the Indian response?
o India must beef up its own border security infrastructure owing to the hostile neighborhood.
o India should fill critical gaps in provision of essential social and economic infrastructure in the border areas to ensure equitable development in these areas.
Benefits of Border Area Development
o Helps to create an environment for sustainable living in the border areas by providing additional job opportunities.
o Provides for improving quality of life and standard of living in the border areas.
o Integrates the border areas with the mainland.
o Builds a positive perception.
o Encourages the people to stay on in the border areas.
