Eye on Pakistan, China: Indian Army and Railways cranking up synergy for swifter mobilisation

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NEW DELHI, March 11 (TNS): Indian Army is stepping-up its synergy in operational logistics with the Indian Railways to ensure it can swiftly mobilise as well as switch forces between the western front with Pakistan and the eastern one with China much faster than what is possible now.

Towards this end, the railways is already building infrastructure for military requirements at different places in the country. This includes construction of concrete ramps for loading of tanks, howitzers and infantry combat vehicles on special trains in areas like Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh, Dimapur in Nagaland, Silapathar, Missamari and Murkongselek in Assam, with an eye firmly on China.

“Concurrently, there is an increased focus on significantly enhancing the speed at which the special military trains run…trial runs are in progress. This will help in faster mobilisation,” said an officer.

One of the harsh lessons learnt during the 10-month long forward troop deployment along the western front under Operation Parakram, launched after Parliament terror attack in December 2001, was that slow mobilisation would not do any longer.

India had taken over a month to mobilise its forces for Operation Parakram, which had given enough time to the US-led international community to intervene as well as Pakistan to shore up its defences.

 

Courtesy: Times of India