Greater Noida: ITBP to showcase mechanised column that guards Sino-Indian border - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Greater Noida: ITBP to showcase mechanised column that guards Sino-Indian border

Hindustan Times | By, Noida
Oct 24, 2017 09:28 AM IST

A mechanised column includes a series of all-terrain vehicle (ATV), sports utility vehicle (SUV) and snow scooters which can operate even when the temperature plunges to minus 50 degrees Celsius in areas such as Ladakh, which is known as a cold desert

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for the first time will showcase a mechanised column that helps them to serve under harsh weather conditions along the Himalayan border. The column will be showcased on the force’s 56th Raising Day on Tuesday at their Greater Noida campus.

The mechanised column, a fleet of vehicles with high reliable efficiency, was inducted into the force in January 2017.(HT Photo)
The mechanised column, a fleet of vehicles with high reliable efficiency, was inducted into the force in January 2017.(HT Photo)

“This is for the first time in the history of our force that we are raising and deploying a mechanised column of power vehicles and machines to speedily mobilise troops along the Sino-Indian border,” a spokesperson of ITBP said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A mechanised column includes a series of all-terrain vehicle (ATV), sports utility vehicle (SUV) and snow scooters which can operate even when the temperature plunges to minus 50 degrees Celsius in areas such as Ladakh, which is known as a cold desert.

All-terrain vehicles have an engine capacity of 1,000 CC and a ground clearance of 343mm, which ensures it can run over the boulders. (HT Photo)
All-terrain vehicles have an engine capacity of 1,000 CC and a ground clearance of 343mm, which ensures it can run over the boulders. (HT Photo)

Over 100 vehicles will be displayed during the march past at the 56th Raising Day celebrations on the ITBP campus in Greater Noida on Tuesday. The function will be attended by Union home minister Rajnath Singh.

The mechanised column, a fleet of vehicles with high reliable efficiency, was inducted into the force in January 2017.

The spokesperson said, “The mechanised column is in a trial phase to check its efficiency. After completion of the trial phase, we will make necessary modification in these vehicles.”

The SUVs include a Toyota Fortuner, ISUZU and Ford Endeavour having four-wheel drive capabilities. (HT Photo)
The SUVs include a Toyota Fortuner, ISUZU and Ford Endeavour having four-wheel drive capabilities. (HT Photo)

The vehicles help ITBP jawans to patrol and hold the border even in bone-chilling weather. “ATVs can negotiate a hilly track up to a 60 degree incline. Usually, these vehicles come with double air-conditioners, but we had to equip them with heaters instead,” an ITBP official said.

The motor contingent is aimed at showcasing the modernisation of the force, which is vigilant along the Himalayan border of 3, 488 kilometers spanning across the five states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

The ITBP has about 30 border posts above the height of 15,000 feet and 50 posts above the height of 12,000 feet. The paramilitary force will have one snow scooter each at these frontier bases. (HT Photo)
The ITBP has about 30 border posts above the height of 15,000 feet and 50 posts above the height of 12,000 feet. The paramilitary force will have one snow scooter each at these frontier bases. (HT Photo)

All-terrain vehicles have an engine capacity of 1,000 CC and a ground clearance of 343mm, which ensures it can run over the boulders. Himalayan tracks are mostly steep and one ATV can carry six armed persons.

“Snow scooters will be showcased on trucks, because they cannot be driven on roads. The ITBP personnel have modern gears while operating them at the border. These scooters have anti-skid technology,” the spokesperson said.

Read | Tasty bravery award: Border police animals to get supply of chocolate, bones

The SUVs include a Toyota Fortuner, ISUZU and Ford Endeavour having four-wheel drive capabilities.

The ITBP has about 30 border posts above the height of 15,000 feet and 50 posts above the height of 12,000 feet. The home ministry has sanctioned funds to the ITBP to have at least one snow scooter each at these frontier bases.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Sohil Sehran was part of Hindustan Times’ nationwide network of correspondents that brings news, analysis and information to its readers. He no longer works with the Hindustan Times.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On