Agartala

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled plans for a comprehensive four-pronged border security framework and said that India's ambitious "smart border" initiative is nearing completion, with pilot projects set to be launched at seven to eight locations across the country's international frontiers.

Addressing personnel during his visit to the Border Security Force's (BSF) Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura, Shah said the government is working towards integrating advanced technologies such as drones, sensors and intelligent fencing systems to strengthen border management.

He noted that the pilot phase would help authorities identify and address operational challenges before the model is expanded across the country's borders. According to Shah, the initiative is aimed at creating a robust and technology-driven security architecture capable of tackling emerging threats.

The Home Minister also announced that the government has approved the replacement of 119 kilometres of ageing border fencing, out of nearly 650 kilometres that have been in place for more than 15 years.

Highlighting the government's broader strategy, Shah said that all border areas under the responsibility of the BSF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) would eventually be equipped with smart border infrastructure. He emphasised that the country's diverse border regions present distinct challenges and therefore require modern and adaptive security solutions.

Under the proposed quadrangular security model, Shah said border protection would rely on close coordination between local administration, security agencies, and modern technological systems. He stressed that effective border management can no longer function in isolation and requires active participation from district officials, police authorities, village representatives and security personnel.

According to Shah, the integration of administrative support and technological capabilities with the efforts of border guarding forces will help create a more effective and foolproof security network.

The Home Minister also highlighted the Centre's efforts to improve living and working conditions for security personnel stationed in remote border areas. He said projects related to reliable power supply, renewable energy and access to clean drinking water at border outposts have already been completed.

Referring to Tripura's strategic significance, Shah described the state as a sensitive frontier region due to its extensive international borders on three sides. He said strengthening security in such regions is essential for safeguarding national interests.

Linking border security with the country's long-term development goals, Shah said India aspires to become a fully developed nation by 2047 and that ensuring national security is fundamental to achieving that vision. He also underscored the need to combat challenges such as smuggling, human trafficking and the spread of narcotics among youth.

The Home Minister said the concepts of smart fencing and an integrated security grid represent a larger transformation in the operational approach of India's border guarding forces and will play a crucial role in securing the country's frontiers in the years ahead.

During his visit, Shah reviewed security arrangements at the Lankamura Border Outpost and interacted with BSF personnel. Marking World Environment Day, he also planted an agar sapling in Agartala.

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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Secretary for Border Management and the Director General of the BSF were among those present on the occasion.