Army Builds Infra For Tanks, Additional Troops In Ladakh Amid Chinese Buildup

The Indian Army has constructed infrastructure to house over 22,000 troops and 450 tanks in Eastern Ladakh opposite in response to Chinese buildup across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to media reports.

According to reports, in order to counter Chinese aggressive movements in the Pangong Tso lake, which is both in India and China, the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers has inducted new Landing Crafts in both Eastern Ladakh, which has given a massive boost to patrolling capabilities and induction of men and material. The assault ship can transport 35 troops.

“In the last two years, housing and technical storage for 22,000 troops and approximately 450 vehicles have been built. Apart from the completion of ongoing projects, the focus has now shifted to the construction of permanent defences and infrastructure to improve defence preparedness during the current working season,” according to reports quoted sources. 

Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Engineer in Chief of the Indian Army said that the permanent defences are being built along the borders. “The Indian Army's Corps of Engineers has built 3D-printed permanent defence infrastructure for the first time in the desert sector. These infrastructures were tested against a variety of weapons ranging from small arms to the main gun of the T90 tank.”

He further said that such defences can withstand blasts, can be built in 36-48 hours and can be moved from one location to another.

“With this, trials for similar permanent defences have also been carried out and found to be useful in eastern Ladakh,” he added.

Defence sources highlighted the Border Roads Organisation's infrastructure development along the China border, saying that nine tunnels including the 2.535-kilometre-long Sela tunnel, are in construction and will be the world's highest bi-lane tunnel. Eleven more tunnels are also being planned.”

The BRO has been tasked with building one of India's highest airfields at Nyoma, which is very close to the China border and will boost Indian capabilities there.