New Delhi: Within a month of completing a a bridge on Pangong Tso, the Chinese side is building a second bridge. This bridge is bigger than the other one, probably for quick induction of its armoured vehicles.
The new bridge will connect north bank of Pangong Tso to its south bank. Observers believe that the first bridge was used as a service bridge to build the new bridge.
The security officials are claiming that the new bridge is much bigger and broader. While the first bridge was to induct troops and others quickly, the new bridge is for the faster deployment of armoured vehicles like tanks, if the need arises,” they said.
The construction of the new bridge has not been confirmed by the government. Through the satellite images it was seen that the under-developed bridge, which is parallel to the first bridge.
Despite disengagement at the military commanders’ meeting (9th in the series) last year, the Chinese military continues to build infrastructure in and around the Pangong Tso.
The first bridge was about 400 metres long and 8 metres wide. It was close to the friction points on the north bank of the Pangong Tso, and the Chushul sub-sector on the south bank. It is for the swifter mobility of troops.
In January, when the satellite images confirmed a bridge was being built, India reacted on it. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: “India has been monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years. Government taking steps to ensure our security interests are protected.”
He further said that the Indian government is taking all necessary steps to ensure security interests are fully protected.
“As part of these efforts, the government has also, in the last seven years, increased significantly the budget for the development of border infrastructure and completed more roads and bridges than ever before,” he said.
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