China’s Train Tracks Reach 17 Km From The Border With India
Nyingchi is China’s old military base in southeast Tibet. At present, it is the headquarters of the 52nd and 53rd Mountain Infantry Brigades of the Chinese Army
One of the fastest railways in China will reach the Indian borders off Arunachal Pradesh by the end of this month. This railway line from Lhasa the Tibetan Capital reaches Nyingchi, which is only 17 km from the border with India. The regular service will be started on June 30, to mark the completion of 100 years of the Communist Party of China
Nyingchi is China’s old military base in southeast Tibet. At present, it is the headquarters of the 52nd and 53rd Mountain Infantry Brigades of the Chinese Army.
There is already an airbase in Nyingchi, which is also regularly used for civilian flights. This is the fourth airport in Tibet. Now comes the Rai connection. Chinese President Xi Jinping has already said about this railway line that it is important for China’s security. 90 percent of this 435 km railway route passes through the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of more than 15000 feet.
The construction of this rail route was started in 2014. Around 75 percent of the route has bridges or tunnels. 47 railway tunnels have been built on this railway line from Lhasa to Nyingchi. This railway line has been built by more than 20,000 Ti etan conscripted labourers and engineers working day and night. China has repeatedly claimed that some parts of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Nyingchi.This has been unceremoniously rejected by Govt of India and people of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh.
The completion of this railway line in the shortest possible time is part of China’s strategy to build military pressure on India.
Nyingchi is China’s old military base in southeast Tibet. At present, it is the headquarters of the 52nd and 53rd Mountain Infantry Brigades of the Chinese Army. China has been trying for the last decade to connect this military base adjacent to India’s border with its main military centres by rail and highway. In 2017, China had connected it with Lhasa by building a 254 km highway here, after which the distance between the two cities was reduced from 8 hours to 5 hours.
China is not only building rail lines and highways, but it is also modifying the military bases here. Satellite photographs show that airports and helipads have been modernized in the last few years. Apart from the places of residence of a large number of soldiers, permanent bases have also been made to keep armoured vehicles and other military equipment.
Well, India too is not sitting idle. After reprinting and strengthening its defensive posture in Arunachal Pradesh with re deployment of 3 and 4 Corps, now India is advancing ahead with the creation of an offensive Capability. 17 Corps has been raised and moving towards completion. In case Chinese act fool7shly then surely Nyingchi will be a major target for the advancing 17 Corps.
Also the alignment of a rail line from Bhalukpong to Tawang is under study.
