India plans to boost airfield infrastructure near LAC to match Chinese capacities
- In Reports
- 03:09 PM, Oct 14, 2024
- Myind Staff
In an effort to strengthen its airfield infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are preparing to take over three key airstrips in Uttarakhand and construct a new one in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti region. This move comes as China continues to rapidly develop infrastructure on its side of the LAC.
According to sources, talks are at an advanced stage for the acquisition of three airstrips in Uttarakhand: Pithoragarh, Gauchar and Dharasu. These strips are currently under the control of the state government. The MoD has also conducted a feasibility study for a new airstrip at Rangrik in the Spiti Valley, which could serve both military and civilian purposes, particularly as the region becomes inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently noted that China’s infrastructure development along the border has been accelerating. He assured that India is taking steps to keep pace by enhancing the capacity of its existing airfields and exploring the use of civilian landing grounds in the central sector. He also mentioned that the IAF is working closely with state governments to either take over airstrips or ensure their availability for military use when needed.
Pithoragarh, situated on the eastern side of Uttarakhand, already has an operational civilian runway, while Gauchar, located near Kedarnath in the central part of the state, and Dharasu, on the way to the Gangotri glacier, also serve key strategic locations. Special operations aircraft, such as the C-130J, have previously landed at these sites.
Additionally, the Indian military is considering the use of existing civilian airports in Himachal Pradesh, such as those in Shimla (Jubbarhatti), Kangra, and Bhuntar (Kullu), during emergencies. These airports are fully capable of handling C-130J operations, making them valuable assets in case of any future conflict or need for rapid military response.
The proposed airfield at Rangrik in Spiti holds strategic significance as it lies close to the LAC with China. On the Chinese side, the Chepzi area in Tibet is close to where Chinese troops regularly patrol near the Indian regions of Chumar and Demchok. Establishing the Rangrik airstrip would provide India with a stronger foothold in the region and also serve civilian flights, improving connectivity for Spiti, especially during winter.
This development is part of a broader plan to strengthen India’s defences along the LAC. Several airbases in the plains, including Adampur, Ambala, Bareilly, and Sarsawa, already play a critical role in securing both the western front and the Chinese border. The Chandigarh airbase, in particular, is a vital hub for supplying resources to eastern Ladakh.
The IAF’s infrastructure expansion along the LAC is crucial as India seeks to match China's rapid military and infrastructure advancements in the region, ensuring a robust defence along the sensitive border areas.
Comments