ABSTRACT
While there are no disagreements that a robust transportation network is necessary to bring about over all development of the border areas by enhancing interactions within and across the borders, contrary views exist when it comes to building roads for security purposes. The occupation of Tibet by Communist China in October 1950 rendered the Himalayan barrier ineffective, and exposed the country’s entire north and northeastern borders to potential infiltrations as well as external aggression. Following the defeat in the India-China border war of 1962, while the construction of hitherto unfinished roads was taken up and completed in the next three to four years, the Indian security and political establishment continued with the policy of not building any roads within 30 miles of the border. In addition to the construction of roadways, China also constructed a network of Railways in Tibet and connected it with far flung border areas.
