India to build 509 composite border outposts on frontiers with Pak, Bangladesh

India is planning to construct 509 composite border outposts (BOPs) along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders to deter trans-border criminals, infiltrators, and hostile elements from engaging in intrusion or encroachment and border violations.

 

The remaining 126 BPOs will be erected along the India-Pakistan border, while 383 composite BOPs will be created along the India-Bangladesh border.These composite BOPs will be extremely useful for Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers, who are tasked with guarding the 3,323 km India-Pakistan border and the 4,096.7 km India-Bangladesh border.

 

 

 

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a plan to build 509 composite BOPs equipped with infrastructure for lodging, logistic support, and combat operations.

 

The action is mentioned in the Ministry of Home Affairs' current annual report, which was issued last week, stating that "the government of India approved a scheme of 509 Composite BOPs (total BOPs along the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders)." 383 Composite BOPs will be built along the Indo-Bangladesh border, out of a total of 509.

 

A composite BOP would have at least one jawans barrack, a kitchen, a dining hall, a garage, a generator room, a toilet block, an administrative block, a wireless room, a weapons room, and six concrete bunkers to withstand any attack, as well as medical amenities.

 

According to an official, composite BOPs would improve the working environment for jawans while also strengthening the force's authority in the region.

 

In terms of amenities and infrastructure, a Composite BOP differs from a standard BOP. BOPs are the BSF's major workstations along the borders. These are self-contained defense outposts with a defined area of duty constructed throughout the whole land boundary continuum. The BOPs are intended, among other things, to offer an appropriate display of force to prevent trans-border criminals, infiltrators, and hostile elements from engaging in intrusion or encroachment and border infractions. Each BOP is outfitted with the infrastructure required for lodging, logistical support, and combat operations.

 

According to the MHA's annual report 2022-23, a total of 736 BOPs have been sanctioned along the Indo-Pakistan border, with 675 BOPs completed.

 

"The ongoing work in 31 BOPs is likely to be completed by June 2025 and alternate sites are being explored for the remaining 30 BOPs," according to the study.

 

India and Pakistan have a land boundary of 3,323 kilometers. This boundary extends across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, and Ladakh Union Territory. The topography along the Indo-Pakistan border is diversified, with various geographical features. This border is marked by terrorist infiltration attempts and the smuggling of weaponry, ammunition, and contraband.

 

According to the study, the BSF now controls 1,096 BOPs along the 4,096.7 km long Indi-Bangladesh Border (IBB).

 

West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km), and Mizoram (318 km) are all on the Indian side of the Indo-Bangladesh border. The entire length is made up of plains, riverine belts, hills, and rainforests. The area is densely inhabited and farmed all the way to the border.