308 SSB outposts on Nepal, Tibet borders await road connectivity

As many as 308 border outposts (BOPs) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders lack proper road connectivity. Besides, the proposal to build lateral and axial roads is also pending.

According to the sources, the final approval for the project is likely to take some time owing to its large financial implications.

The SSB has a total of 734 border outposts on both these borders. Of these, road connectivity exists only on 426 outposts.

A consolidated proposal to build lateral and axial roads, foot-tracks and staging camps along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders is currently under consideration in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

However, sources aware of the developments say the proposal contains various components along both borders and the project entails large financial implications. Therefore, it may take a “reasonable” amount of time for its technical scrutiny and final approval by the authorities, added the sources.

Although the main aim is to ensure time-bound implementation of road connectivity projects, ensuring coverage to all the BOPs along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, sources pointed out that efforts were on for prompt implementation as proper approach to the BOPs was crucial for national security.

Recent deliberations within the MHA have focussed on fast tracking the scheme for providing link roads and foot-tracks to the remaining 308 SSB outposts and important patrolling routes in a time-bound manner, sources said further.

According to the sources in the MHA, the original plan was to have roads close to BOPs along Nepal and Bhutan borders, where link and feeder roads could be planned at a later stage.

The proposal for having axial roads, foot-tracks and staging camps was prepared accordingly, but it has hit a roadblock due to the huge financial implications.