Desk : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that a “quadrangular foolproof security grid” will be established along India’s international borders to further strengthen national security. He said the concept of “Smart Borders” is in its final stage and pilot projects will soon be launched simultaneously at seven to eight locations across the country.
Addressing personnel during his visit to the Border Security Force’s Lankamura Border Outpost (BOP) in Agartala, Shah said a modern security network incorporating advanced technology, drones, sensors and smart fencing is being developed to secure the nation’s borders. He also informed that approval has been granted to replace 119 kilometres of border fencing that is over 15 years old, out of nearly 650 kilometres requiring upgradation.
The Home Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has decided to develop smart borders at all locations where the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed.
Explaining the proposed quadrangular security strategy, Shah said the initiative aims to make India’s borders virtually impregnable through coordinated efforts involving local administration, advanced technology, security forces and border communities. He stressed that border security can no longer function in isolation and requires active participation from district magistrates, police authorities, village representatives and local residents.
He said the pilot projects would help identify operational challenges, which would be addressed before the model is expanded across the country’s entire border network.
Highlighting the welfare of security personnel, Shah noted that several projects aimed at improving infrastructure at border outposts—including reliable electricity supply, green energy initiatives and access to safe drinking water—have already been completed.
Describing the Tripura frontier as strategically important, he said the state’s geographical position, surrounded by international borders on three sides, makes it a critical component of India’s border security framework.
Referring to the vision of a developed India by 2047, Shah said national security is a prerequisite for achieving that goal. He also emphasized the need to combat smuggling, human trafficking and the menace of drug trafficking, which adversely affects the country’s youth.
According to the Home Minister, the smart security grid is being designed to address all such challenges while transforming both border management systems and the operational culture of security forces deployed along the nation’s frontiers.
During the visit, Shah inspected the Lankamura Border Outpost and interacted with BSF personnel. On the occasion of World Environment Day, he also planted an agar sapling as part of a tree plantation drive in Agartala.
Among those present were Manik Saha, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Border Management and the Border Security Force.