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India, a land steeped in history and culture, also boasts a modern tapestry of engineering marvels that stand as testaments to human ingenuity and perseverance. Among these, the country's <keyword id="142777" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tunnels" source="Orion">tunnels</keyword> weave a story of connectivity, innovation, and the triumph of engineering over challenging terrains. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, these tunnels not only reduce travel time but also facilitate year-round access, providing crucial links for transportation and connectivity. Let's delve into the fascinating world of 10 famous <keyword id="19482362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tunnels-in-India" source="Orion">tunnels in India</keyword> that encapsulate the nation's spirit of progress. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rohtang Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Rohtang Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas"><keyword id="166207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-Tunnel" source="Orion">Rohtang Tunnel</keyword>, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas</cmsannotation> Nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, the Rohtang Tunnel, also known as <keyword id="8486907" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atal-Tunnel" source="Orion">Atal Tunnel</keyword>, is a marvel of engineering connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley. Stretching over 9 kilometers, it traverses the Pir Panjal range, providing year-round access and significantly reducing travel time. This engineering feat has not only enhanced connectivity but has also become a symbol of perseverance in the challenging Himalayan landscape. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation" comment="subhead" text="Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation">Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation</cmsannotation> Situated in the Pir Panjal Range, the Jawahar Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been a vital link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley since its construction in the 1950s. This remarkable achievement in connectivity has played a crucial role in uniting regions, showcasing the resilience of Indian engineering in the face of challenging terrains. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas">Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas</cmsannotation> Embracing the challenges of the Himalayan terrain, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is a standout feature of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project. Spanning over 11 kilometers, it stands as one of India's longest railway tunnels, providing a scenic and efficient rail route through the picturesque landscape. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley" comment="subhead" text="Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley">Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley</cmsannotation> Connecting Banihal to Qazigund, the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel is a vital link for transportation in the Kashmir Valley. Its construction aimed at reducing travel distances and ensuring all-weather road connectivity, thereby enhancing accessibility to the picturesque valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats" comment="subhead" text="Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats">Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats</cmsannotation> The Konkan Railway Line, with its numerous tunnels through the Western Ghats, stands as a testament to engineering elegance. These tunnels not only facilitate smooth train travel but also offer breathtaking views along the scenic Konkan coast, turning a journey into an aesthetic experience. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity" comment="subhead" text="Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity">Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity</cmsannotation> Spanning over 9 kilometers, the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a beacon of modern infrastructure and safety features. Its construction aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity between regions, making it a notable engineering achievement in India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats" comment="subhead" text="Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats">Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats</cmsannotation> As part of the Konkan Railway route, the Karbude Tunnel is strategically located to ensure seamless train travel through the mountainous landscape of the Western Ghats. Its presence is integral to the efficiency and success of the railway network in Maharashtra. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain" comment="subhead" text="Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain">Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain</cmsannotation> Carved through the rocky terrain of Meghalaya, the Khowai Tunnel plays a vital role in connecting the northeastern state with the rest of the country through the railway line. Its construction was a significant undertaking, showcasing the commitment to connectivity in even the most challenging landscapes. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated" comment="subhead" text="Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated">Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated</cmsannotation> The Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway, featuring a tunnel section, serves as a crucial link between Chennai Port and Maduravoyal. This infrastructure marvel not only facilitates efficient transportation but also eases traffic congestion in the bustling city of Chennai. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka" comment="subhead" text="Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka">Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka</cmsannotation> Serving the Konkan Railway, the Karwar Tunnel in Karnataka is a noteworthy part of the railway network. It exemplifies the engineering prowess required to navigate the challenging Western Ghats, connecting regions and contributing to the efficiency of the railway network in the state. These 10 famous tunnels in India not only showcase the nation's commitment to connectivity but also highlight the engineering excellence that has overcome geographical challenges. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, these tunnels stand as symbols of progress, linking regions, and providing efficient transportation routes. As India continues to forge ahead in its development journey, these tunnels remain as shining examples of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of formidable terrains.

Unveiling the marvels: 10 engineering triumphs in India's tunnel landscape

<ul><li>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered <keyword id="28910" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mountains">mountains</keyword> with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot.</li><li>The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting.</li><li>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong.</li></ul>The scorching plains, inevitably, have people craving for an easy trip to a mountainous destination. But if you wish to be nestled amidst snow-clad peaks with a gushing river piercing through the terrain, you will need to travel farther, navigate not-so-great roads and will definitely need more time and patience. No, we are not talking about a trip as arduous as a road trip to Leh; we are talking about a much more manageable road trip to Manali and nearby places. <div type="image" title="Manali mountainscapes" msid="82002884" hostid="261"></div>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered mountains with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot. With superb panoramas of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges from all directions, it is hard not to fall for Manali's evergreen charm. However, with a massive influx of tourists, most of whom have little regard for the environment, the city and most places around have garbage blemishing both the riverside and the mountainside. But the true magic of the place powers through and despite these eyesores, a quick pan up to see the mountains in their majestic glory compensates for the heartache the litter causes. That said, there are plenty of brilliant treks that take you to tiny brooks amidst conifer-clad valleys in and around Manali should you wish some time away from the manic crowds. The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting. But do note that these activities are weather dependent, so it's best to check in advance. In general, rafting takes place all year round excluding the monsoon periods. The months of May, June and September are supposed to be the best time for paragliding. Skiing opens in Solang Valley soon after the first snowfall in January and continues till March. Other popular tourist spots in Manali include the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Bhima's demon wife. Sporting a multi-tiered pagoda, the temple is set amidst towering deodars, and the complex also has a shrine dedicated to their son Ghatotkacha. <div type="image" title="Old Manali" msid="82002929" hostid="261"></div>Apart from a very chill atmosphere, Old Manali also hosts the age-old Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu who penned the Manusmriti. Oozing with character and old-world charm, Old Manali is truly a must-visit. Please note, there is nothing much to see here, but the place gives you a laid-back feeling. Walk uphill through the narrow lanes, watch the stray dogs just lay there in absolute bliss, witness the locals tending to their cows, indulge in a bit of shopping at some very kitschy shops lining both sides of the lane and then head straight to the pub to rest those tired feet. <div type="image" title="Jogini Falls" msid="82002970" hostid="261"></div>Those with a religious inclination should also visit the Vashisht Temple and so should those who don't, mainly because this is the starting point of the hike to the spectacular Jogini Falls. The walk to the falls takes around an hour and makes for a great place to picnic while soaking in the views. (Please note: Do take all essentials like water and food with you but more importantly, take an extra bag to dump your garbage in and bring it back with you for proper disposal.) Beyond city limits The 3977-metre high snow-cloaked <keyword id="391219" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-Pass">Rohtang Pass</keyword> is an obvious choice for those scoping out breathtaking views. However, as is the case with most popular places, the <keyword id="43735" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pass">Pass</keyword> has been defiled by an endless barrage of tourists, trash and traffic. Thankfully, now, only a small number of vehicles are allowed to visit, and a permit must be obtained to do so. Also, note that the Pass is only open from June to October. <div type="image" title="Manali Leh Road" msid="82002997" hostid="261"></div>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong. This epic drive involves crossing the newly-constructed <keyword id="8486907" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-tunnel">Atal Tunnel</keyword> and gasping with disbelief when you see what's in store at the end of the tunnel. The terrain is nothing short of magic. The snowy mountain peaks, the river accompanying it on one side, countered by barren -- but just as majestic -- mountainscapes, on the other. The drive to Keylong should take around 2 hours, from Manali. You can also venture further to Udaipur (3 hours from Manali), a town on Chandrabhaga River bank in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. But remember that since this is a day trip, you should account for the time it will take to get back. Also, there are not many places to stop for grub or the toilet apart from a few loosely-termed 'hotels' splattered along the way. <div type="image" title="Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat" msid="82003009" hostid="261"></div>Places to stay From budget no-frills hotels to spectacular heritage properties, the town has a place for everyone. The <a href="https://www.urvashisretreat.com/">Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat</a> is a fabulous option for those who want gorgeous views along with all the creature comforts. The property is secluded from the hustle and bustle and the staff is delightful and eagerly tell you about the best places to visit nearby. Should you be looking for something more affordable, you can opt to stay at <a href="https://www.sterlingholidays.com/resorts-hotels/manali">Sterling Manali</a>. The rooms have beautiful views, but the upkeep is a little lacking. <div type="image" title="Il Ferno" msid="82003033" hostid="261"></div>Places to eat and drink Manali has a bunch of brilliant places to eat and drink. Serving up various cuisines, Manali also has quite a few resto-pubs with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Travel and food writer, Pallavi Pasricha, tells us, "I always make it a point to visit Johnson's Cafe to have their legendary trout. On my last trip, I discovered two new places – Il Forno which has excellent pizzas and Rocky's Café, a 10-minute walk from the Old Manali market – both have stunning views of the mountains. Sipping a beer from there will now always be on my agenda whenever I visit Manali next." Old Manali also has the Dylan's Toasted &amp; Roasted Coffee House, where you can soak in the laid-back atmosphere while sipping on excellent coffee accompanied by hot-out-of-the-oven cookies. Another well-known pub in Old Manali is The Lazy Dog. The riverside outdoor seating area here is the perfect place to wind down with a glass of hot toddy and snacks. Another place to check out if you wish to chill by the river is Cafe 1947, which is a slightly pricier option, but the ambience and the food are certainly worth experiencing. <div type="image" title="Jibhi" msid="82003043" hostid="261"></div>Veer off the highway Should you wish for an even more secluded location, Shweta Andrews, who runs a Delhi-based bakery called Bakes Ahoy, recommends a tiny village called Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh. It is just a 3-hour drive from Manali. Andrews says, "This is an off-beat travel destination in its true sense. It's a place for people who are looking to detox -- digitally, physically and mentally." Andrews and friends opted for an Airbnb called <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/45643018?check_out=2021-05-05&amp;adults=2&amp;check_in=2021-04-30&amp;s=13&amp;unique_share_id=D25340A4-9FFD-44D0-9E7F-2E8486D2DF7D&amp;_branch_match_id=908942267948210284&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1617946965_i%2BsKhQcTG4duws7Y">Sunny Cottage Near The River</a>, situated on a farm right by the river. "The hosts truly went out of their way to make our stay most enjoyable. Bonfires by night and picnics on the banks by day are things that one cannot enjoy in crowded or commercial holiday destinations. Plus the food was genuinely a farm-to-plate experience as well," Andrews adds. A must-visit from here is the Jalori Pass, where one can experience incredible views of the <keyword id="52569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>. 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Mountains, rivers, trout and toddy — Manali offers you all these and more

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> will inaugurate the strategically important all-weather Atal Tunnel, the world's longest highway tunnel, at Rohtang in <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword> on Saturday. The function will be held at 10 am, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. The Atal Tunnel, which reduces the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kms and the travel time by four to five hours, is a 9.02-km-long tunnel. It connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier the valley was cut off for about six months each year owing to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3,071 metres. It is a horseshoe-shaped, single tube double lane tunnel with a roadway of eight metres. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. It is 10.5-metre wide and has a 3.6 x 2.25 metres fire proof emergency egress tunnel built into the main tunnel itself. Atal Tunnel has been designed for traffic density of 3,000 cars per day and 1,500 trucks per day with a maximum speed of 80 km per hour. It has state-of-the-art electromechanical systems including semi transverse ventilation system, SCADA-controlled firefighting, illumination and monitoring system. The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 3, 2000 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone for the access road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on May 26, 2002. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. The breakthrough from both ends was achieved on October 15, 2017. The Union Cabinet, under chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on December 24 last year decided to name the <keyword id="166207" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-tunnel">Rohtang Tunnel</keyword> as Atal Tunnel to honour the contribution made by former Prime Minister Vajpayee. After attending the inauguration function of the Atal Tunnel at the South Portal, Manali, Prime Minister Modi will be participating in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul-Spiti and at Solang Valley.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate world's longest highway tunnel at Rohtang on Saturday

Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="Orion">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>’s budget on February 1 has made all the right noises regarding defence, with ₹<a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/bh1.pdf">5.25 lakh crore</a> being allotted to the <keyword id="6369097" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Defence" source="Orion">Ministry of Defence</keyword> (MoD), a hike of 10%, and an emphasis on <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/defence-budget-2022-23/">self-reliance</a> in defence manufacturing. While challenges of resource availability persist, the MoD still continues to grab the largest share of the central government’s expenditure. But beyond the numbers about revenue (₹2.39 lakh crore) and capital allocation (₹1.52 lakh crore) to the MoD, this budget has also demonstrated the Indian government’s long-term view of the China threat through two crucial steps: reinforcing greater budgetary support for the <keyword id="6355100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy" source="Orion">Indian Navy</keyword> and the border infrastructure. This comes in the backdrop of the prolonged border-standoff with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Himalayas, which has amplified India’s threat perception. Accordingly, the government has made necessary emergency purchases—from <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-acquires-11000-extreme-cold-gear-sets-from-us-army/articleshow/78922920.cms">winter clothing</a> to <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-to-buy-21-mig-29-and-12-sukhoi-fighter-jets-from-russia-report-11592495559415.html">fighter jets</a>—to ensure that the Indian military is geared to face the PLA. The focus on naval capabilities and border infrastructure facilities complement this approach. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Prioritising Indian Navy" comment="subhead" text="Prioritising Indian Navy">Prioritising Indian <keyword id="42407" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="navy" source="Orion">Navy</keyword></cmsannotation> With <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/03/2002885874/-1/-1/0/2021-CMPR-FINAL.PDF">approximately 355 ships and submarines</a>, the PLA Navy has now emerged as the largest navy in the world. In response, India has stepped up its naval activities, including increased patrols in the Indian Ocean. In addition, India’s growing Indo-Pacific ambitions have brought a greater naval presence and engagement with the region. However, with a fleet of about 130 ships and submarines, one-third in size of the PLA Navy, the strain on the Indian Navy is immense. This is accentuated by delays in shipbuilding and induction, which have substantially affected the pace of naval modernisation. Hence, the Navy has now re-worked its aspiration for a 200-ship fleet to a more realistic goal of a <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/nov/16/navy-will-achieve-its-170-ship-force-level-timelines-being-revised-navy-vice-chief-2384329.html">170-ship fleet</a>. Partially addressing this problem, the government in this budget has increased the <a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe21.pdf">capital allocation for naval modernisation</a> from ₹33.2 thousand crore (FY 2021-22 BE) to ₹47.5 thousand crore (FY 2022-23 BE). This includes ₹29.4 thousand crore for the naval fleet. The funds allocated are more than what the Navy had demanded (₹<a href="http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Defence/17_Defence_25.pdf">37.6 thousand crore</a> for FY 2021-22) and hopefully, in the subsequent years, the defence ministry will manage to fulfil the Navy's demand. Besides boosting the Indian naval presence, this greater budgetary allocation will also contribute to the expansion of India’s shipyards as most of the naval expenditure is incurred in shipbuilding. At present, India’s public sector shipyards are manufacturing<a href="http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Defence/17_Defence_24.pdf"> 48 ships and submarines</a>, making the Indian Navy the most indigenised of the three services. Two significant naval inductions expected this year are the Cochin Shipyard Ltd.-built indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-1 (or INS Vikrant), and INS Vagir from Mazagon Dock Limited, likely to enter service in the second half of 2022. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Strengthening northern borders" comment="subhead" text="Strengthening northern borders">Strengthening northern borders</cmsannotation> Another key dimension of the China challenge has been the border infrastructure. China has determinedly pursued infrastructure build-out to give the PLA a sustained presence on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the last two decades. India has been late to this game but is slowly catching up, as seen by its current <a href="https://www.gatewayhouse.in/indias-border-infrastructure/">border infrastructure push</a> with border roads, strategic railway lines, and Advance Landing Grounds (airfields in areas closer to the LAC). The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the primary agency to construct border roads along the LAC, has received a substantial hike annually in the last few budgets. Keeping up with that trend, this year, the BRO has been allocated <a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe19.pdf">Rs. 3500 crore</a>, 40% more than the FY 2021-22 BE of Rs. 2500 crore. This sustained enhanced allocation has ensured that the BRO has completed many long-pending projects, including the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang and Umling La pass in Ladakh. In addition, Sitharaman also announced the “<a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/bh1.pdf">Vibrant Villages Programme</a>” that will focus on developing remote villages on the LAC. To be administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1794161">development activities</a> under this programme will include constructing infrastructure, housing, tourist centres, road connectivity projects, provisioning for renewable energy, expanding access to satellite television, and support for livelihood generation. This programme is vital due to the glaring difference in living standards in the villages on the Indian and Chinese sides of the LAC. China’s <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/21/c_139959978.htm">white paper on Tibet</a> has noted that between 2017 and 2020, the Chinese government implemented a host of schemes to ensure better access to housing, electricity, roads, and the internet. These initiatives on naval modernisation and border development will yield the desired outcome only if India sustains them with the required budgetary support. While the government has to bear the cost of naval modernisation, it can engage the private sector to defray the border development costs by potentially through the corporate social responsibility framework. Sameer Patil is <keyword id="1188891" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="senior-fellow" source="Orion">Senior Fellow</keyword> at the Observer Research Foundation. The views expressed are his own.

OPINION: How India is trying to tackle China’s military challenge

<ul><li>With winter approaching along the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, China has sent its troops' assemblable thermal shelters. </li><li>India has also been preparing for a winter standoff conducting its biggest military logistics operations in decades. </li><li>The border tensions between India and China are different from the past phases, with more troops and an increasing amount of hotspots. </li></ul>It’s not just the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> that’s readying itself for the harsh winter of the Himalayas along the India-China border in Ladakh, but the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as well. According to the Chinese state-run publication <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1202859.shtml">Global Times</a>, the troops stationed at the border were recently equipped with assemblable thermal shelters. To counter China’s threat along the border, India conducted the most extensive military logistics operations in decades. Before the roads get snowed in, the Indian Army has been busy hauling in ranks, heavy weaponry, ammunition, fuel, food, and other essential winter supplies. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76725494" title="India is ready for the ‘long haul’ with China until winter after the third round of military talks" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The situation at the border this year is very different with more troops and an increasing number of friction points where India and China are locked in a standoff. India, alone, has deployed over three additional army divisions than usual in eastern Ladakh as winter rolls in. China’s new thermal shelters China's new shelters have dorms for sleeping, canteens, washing rooms, toilets, warehouses, microgrids, and heating equipment that can function in temperatures as low as minus 55 degrees Celsius and altitudes up to 5,500 meters above sea level. Even with sub-zero temperatures outdoors, the temperature inside the shelters can be maintained at above 15 degrees Celsius, according to a report by PLA Daily, the army’s publication. Diesel heaters ensure emergency heating, and over 90% of the shelter’s components can be reused. However, PLA Daily asserts the new self-powered thermal insulation homes aren’t new. Border troops have been using them at several outposts across the plateau and alpine areas over the last two years. India continues to build border roads The Indian government is using the newly launched Atal Rohtang Tunnel to deploy armed forces and equipment faster than before. After a decade of digging, the world’s longest high-altitude tunnel reduces the distance between mainland and Ladakh — where India is facing off against China — by 46 kilometers. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77122683" title="India is loading up supplies in Ladakh fearing the worst as the Chinese army drags its feet on its way back" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> "China does not recognize the so-called central territory of Ladakh illegally established by India. We also oppose the construction of infrastructure for the purpose of military control in the disputed border areas," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, a few days ahead of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opening the new tunnel. The next round of military negotiations between India and China are scheduled to take place on October 12 on the Indian side of the border. Last time around, the two sides agreed to refrain from adding any more troops than were already deployed. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/indias-defence-ministry-removes-three-years-worth-of-monthly-reports-from-website/articleshow/78552916.cms">India’s Defence Ministry removes three-years worth of monthly reports from website</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/infosys-to-acquire-us-based-data-analytics-company-for-125-million-deal-expected-to-close-in-third-quarter/articleshow/78551010.cms">Infosys to acquire US-based data analytics company for $125 million — deal expected to close in third quarter</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/iaf-displays-its-might-with-rafale-apache-tejas-and-others-during-the-annual-air-force-day-airshow/slidelist/78549506.cms">IN PICS: IAF displays its might with Rafale, Apache, Tejas, and others during the annual Air Force Day airshow</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tcs-and-wipro-lead-rally-in-it-stocks-after-tcs-ceo-announces-multi-year-technology-transformation-cycle-in-the-works/articleshow/78547893.cms">TCS and Wipro lead rally in IT stocks after TCS CEO announces multi-year 'technology transformation' cycle in the works</a>

Chinese Army will be using thermal shelters to fend off the sub-zero temperatures along the India-China border this winter

Asserting that it is fully prepared to fight a full-fledged war even in winters in eastern Ladakh, the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> on Wednesday said if China created conditions for war, they will face a better trained, better prepared, fully rested and psychologically hardened Indian troops. In a statement, it said compared to physically and psychologically battle-hardened Indian troops, Chinese troops mostly are from urban areas and not used to hardships or prolonged deployment under field conditions. The Army' Northern Command headquarters made these assertions reacting to China's official media Global Times reports that India's operational logistics is not geared up adequately and it will not be able to fight through winters effectively. "This can best be attributed to ignorance. Indian Army is fully prepared and more than capable of fighting a full-fledged war even in winters in eastern Ladakh," a Northern Command spokesperson said here. "India is a peace-loving country and wishes to have good relations with its neighbours. India always prefers to resolve issues through dialogue. While talks are in progress to resolve the border issues with China in eastern Ladakh, at the military level it is well prepared for the prolonged stand-off," he said. He said altitudes in Ladakh range from "high to super-high altitude" and there is a lot of snowfall - up to 40 feet after November. "Coupled with this, the temperature dipping down to minus 30 to 40 degree Celsius is a usual phenomenon. Wind chill factor makes matters even worse for the troops. The roads also get closed due to the snow. But despite all this, the most encouraging part for India is that the Indian soldiers have a huge experience of winter warfare and are psychologically tuned to operate at short notice," the spokesperson said. While these facts are known to the world, he said, adding the operational logistics capabilities, however, are hardly known. "Logistic capability relates to mobility, habitat and billeting, quality services for health, special rations, repair and recovery, heating systems, high-quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing, and so on. While much of these capabilities existed earlier and troops could simply plug and play, a lot has also been boosted since May this year when China showed first signs of aggression," he said. The spokesperson said it is important to understand that the Army has the experience of Siachen, the highest battleground in the world, where conditions are much more demanding than the frontiers with China. "Traditionally there were two routes for moving into Ladakh, that is through Zojila (Srinagar-Leh Highway) and Rohtang Passes (Manali-Leh). Recently India commissioned a third road from Darcha to Leh which is much shorter distance-wise and less prone to closure," he said. The spokesperson said completion of Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has force multiplied the logistic capacities. "In addition, we have a large number of airbases with the help of which we can maintain the Army well. Modern snow clearing equipment has also been placed on these routes to keep them open beyond November, thus giving us more time for daily maintenance of the troops," he said. The spokesperson said special fuel and lubricants for tanks and armoured personnel carriers have also been stocked adequately, including spares for their maintenance. "Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals like mules and yaks. The living barracks have also been prepared which are comfortable and warm," he said. He said facilities such as the central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities. "Ammunition of various types including small arms, missiles and tank and artillery ammunition have also been adequately stocked. The medical system is also in place for any eventuality." The spokesperson said "China's concept has always been to win the wars without fighting, hence if they create conditions for war, they will come across better trained, better prepared, fully rested and psychologically hardened Indian troops. "These worries have been percolating in the minds of Chinese troops and are visible in Chinese media," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-speech-highlights-on-16-september-2020/articleshow/78143035.cms">RBI Governor highlights five key areas that will determine India's growth in the post-COVID world</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/apple-watch-series-6-ipad-air-ipad-8-and-apple-one-will-be-available-in-india/slidelist/78141813.cms">Apple Watch Series 6, iPad Air, iPad 8, and Apple One will be available in India — here’s how much they cost</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/amid-india-china-standoff-tencent-is-back-with-an-investment-in-flipkart/articleshow/78140794.cms">Amid India-China standoff, Tencent is back with an investment in Flipkart</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/-indias-surging-covid-19-infections-is-testing-the-health-infra-once-again/articleshow/78143000.cms">India’s surging COVID-19 infections is testing the health infra once again — beds added during lockdown aren’t enough</a>

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