India is set to reinforce its northeastern frontier by significantly expanding its railway infrastructure, a move aimed at boosting connectivity, logistics and military preparedness amid uncertainties in ties with China.
According to Bloomberg, the approved plan involves laying 500 kilometers (about 310 miles) of new rail lines, including strategic bridges and tunnels, to connect remote regions along the borders with China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan.
Officials familiar with the matter said the initiative is designed to deepen civilian access while also ensuring faster troop mobilization and supply chain efficiency in case of future border tensions. The northeast has long been a region of strategic importance, with India ramping up both road and rail projects in the area over the past decade.
The new railway network will serve a dual purpose: integrating isolated communities into the national economy and bolstering national security by creating more reliable infrastructure for military use.
This development comes against the backdrop of lingering concerns over India-China border disputes, despite occasional signs of easing tensions.
