Army to open several border areas for tourism under Centre’s initiative

In a move to boost border tourism and foster development in remote regions, the Indian Army is preparing to open several restricted border areas, including spots along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), for tourists.
According to top sources, the initiative is part of the government’s Vibrant Village Programme, aimed at promoting connectivity, tourism and socio-economic development in border regions.
As part of the programme, plans are underway to make the Galwan Memorial accessible to visitors, similar to the Rezang La War Memorial. Additionally, areas like Trishul and Rangla in Ladakh, among others, are expected to open to tourists once logistical and infrastructural preparations are complete.
The Indian Army is collaborating with civil authorities to facilitate these efforts while maintaining high operational preparedness.
The Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have made significant strides in border infrastructure development over the past four years. Over 8,500 kilometres of roads have been constructed along the borders, with a special focus on the LAC. Apart from that, 400 permanent bridges, including the Se La and Shinkun La tunnels, have been completed.
Under the Bharat Net programme, high-speed internet has been provided to 1,500 villages, connecting over 7,000 remote border villages. These infrastructure upgrades aim to improve accessibility to remote areas, enabling tourism and fostering socio-economic growth.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently highlighted a 30 per cent increase in tourist numbers across Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh over the past four years, driven by improved infrastructure and growing interest in border tourism.
Beyond infrastructure, the Indian Army continues to play a pivotal role in supporting border communities. It provides medical assistance, rescue operations and relief services, further enhancing the quality of life for residents in these areas.
The decision to open restricted areas for tourism marks a significant step toward integrating remote border regions into the national mainstream.