E-Paper
Manali-Leh rail link important due to border with China: Lamba
A senior army officer on Thursday came out in support of early construction of of Manali-Leh rail link suggesting it is logistically and strategically important for the army in view of the border with China.
A senior army officer on Thursday came out in support of early construction of of Manali-Leh rail link suggesting it is logistically and strategically important for the army in view of the border with China.
GOC-in-command army training command Lt Gen AS Lamba said the construction of Manali-Leh rail line was important in view of the sensitivity of Sino-India border.
It is a logistic and strategic requirement of the army during operations, Lamba told reporters in Shimla after taking over GOC-in-Command army training command.
Lamba said China has rail network almost close to the border and this rail line would help them to move the troops quickly.
During the operation, ground movement of troops and other equipment get hampered due to damage to the roads, he said adding Manali-Leh rail link would be an alternative route for the army during such time.
Lamba also favoured early construction of Rohtang tunnel which would over provide all-weather road link to the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti and Leh-Ladakh which is understood to have been delayed by budgetary constrain.
