According to Lt. Gen. A.K. Nanda, given the strategic importance of a road network in states bordering China, the BRO will build 61 roads covering over 3,800 kilometers by 2012. At a news conference, Nanda said 27 of the 61 roads would be built in Arunachal Pradesh and the rest in other states bordering China. China claims the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as its own.

Nanda said nine roads were completed last year and eight would be finished this year; the rest would be completed by 2012.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony recently said road infrastructure in most states bordering China was poor compared with the Chinese side.

"Better road network right up to the border gave China the ability to rush troops and logistical support in case of an emergency whereas India was handicapped on this count," Antony said.