Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inspected a local radio-based fence breach detection system along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal that immediately alerts Border Security Force (BSF) personnel when the border fence is tampered with, as part of the Centre’s push to strengthen border security through technology, marking its first field review of border security in West Bengal since the BJP took office in the state.
The visit is part of Shah’s three-day tour of West Bengal, during which he will review security arrangements along the India-Bangladesh border, hold meetings on law and order, and inaugurate border infrastructure projects. The radio-based smart fence system is part of the government’s plan to spread advanced surveillance technologies across India’s eastern and western borders.
“The Narendra Modi government is moving forward with zero tolerance against narcotics smuggling, economic crimes and infiltration into the border areas. Now the much-awaited national security infrastructure works will be completed on priority basis. At the same time, with the establishment of a quadrilateral security network here, the border will become completely secure and impregnable,” Shah said in a post on X.
According to the Union Home Ministry, the system broadcasts a pre-recorded warning message the moment any breach or tampering of the border fence is detected, enabling forces to respond immediately.
Shah also showcased an infrared warning system designed for difficult terrain, including river stretches and gaps in the border fence, where interruptions in infrared rays trigger advance alerts to security personnel. Of the 2,216.7 km-long Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, about 180 km pass through riverine terrain where physical fencing is not possible due to geographical challenges.
“The Home Minister also reviewed the gate management system designed to facilitate safe and seamless movement of civilians and farmers living along the India-Bangladesh border. The government’s focus is on building smart borders by deploying modern indigenous technologies that enhance surveillance, prevent infiltration and enhance the operational capacity of the border guarding forces,” a government spokesperson said.
During the visit, Shah laid the foundation stone for three infrastructure projects of the Border Guard Fund $47 crore and started construction of 4 km long border fence at a cost $30 crore on newly acquired land for two border stations in West Bengal.
Addressing the personnel of the Border Security Force in Siliguri, Shah said the Modi-led government is committed to making India’s borders impregnable by creating a quadrangular security network.
The Home Minister had earlier said that the Center would soon unveil a new border security system that would include not only border guarding forces but also local residents, police and administration.
After winning the war against left-wing extremism, the Home Ministry is currently working on two major projects – making India drug-free by 2047 and making our borders impervious by securing borders and studying demographic changes caused by intruders and finding ways to address them.
The government is also installing underground radar systems, anti-drone devices, and advanced drone surveillance systems along the country’s eastern and western borders, officials familiar with the matter said.
