Agartala

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that India is moving closer to implementing its "smart border" initiative, with pilot projects set to be launched at seven to eight locations along different international borders. He also outlined plans for a four-layer integrated security framework aimed at strengthening border management.

Speaking during his visit to the Border Security Force's (BSF) Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura, Shah said the smart border programme has reached its final stage of development. The initiative will incorporate advanced technologies such as drones, sensors and intelligent fencing systems to improve surveillance and security.

The Home Minister said the Centre has decided to introduce smart border infrastructure across all sectors guarded by the BSF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), considering the unique operational challenges posed by India's extensive and diverse borders.

Shah also revealed that approval has been granted to replace 119 kilometres of ageing border fencing. Of the approximately 650 kilometres of fencing that is more than 15 years old, the identified stretches will be modernised as part of the upgrade programme.

Explaining the proposed "quadrangular security strategy", Shah said border protection would be strengthened through close coordination among local administration, security personnel and technological systems. The objective, he said, is to create an effective and comprehensive security network capable of addressing evolving threats.

According to Shah, lessons learned during the pilot phase will be incorporated before the smart border model is expanded across the country's entire frontier.

Emphasising that border security cannot be handled by security forces alone, he said a coordinated effort involving district magistrates, police officials, village representatives, revenue officers and border personnel is essential for building a robust security mechanism.

He noted that integrating local administrative machinery into border management is crucial to achieving complete security and maintaining effective vigilance in frontier areas.

The Home Minister also highlighted several completed welfare and infrastructure projects for border personnel, including improvements in electricity supply at border posts, promotion of green energy solutions and provision of safe drinking water facilities.

Describing Tripura as a strategically important state due to its extensive international boundaries, Shah said the region plays a vital role in safeguarding national interests. He noted that the state is bordered by neighbouring countries on three sides, making security preparedness especially important.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, Shah said strong national security remains a fundamental requirement for achieving that goal. He stressed the need to combat challenges such as smuggling, human trafficking and drug-related crimes that affect society and the country's youth.

He said the government is working towards establishing a comprehensive smart security ecosystem while also modernising border infrastructure and adapting the operational practices of security forces to emerging challenges.

Shah added that smart fencing and the proposed four-tier security grid form part of a broader transformation in the functioning of Central Armed Police Forces responsible for border protection.

During the visit, the Home Minister reviewed security arrangements at the Lankamura Border Outpost and interacted with BSF personnel. On the occasion of World Environment Day, he also planted an agar sapling in Agartala.

READ MORE: Lal Mohammad Badshah's unwavering devotion towards the clean Ganga

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Union Home Secretary, Intelligence Bureau Director, Secretary (Border Management) and the Director General of the BSF were present during the visit.