Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Project With Drones And Surveillance Systems

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the government is working towards creating an “impregnable” border security grid through the proposed Smart Border Project, which will deploy advanced surveillance technologies including drones, modern cameras and integrated monitoring systems. He made the remarks while addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India–Bangladesh border in Tripura.

Shah said that India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 under “Viksit Bharat” cannot be achieved without ensuring complete national security. He stressed that the government is focusing not only on conventional security threats but also on emerging challenges such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, cattle smuggling, youth drug abuse and the circulation of counterfeit currency, which he said have broader implications for national stability and the economy.

The Home Minister highlighted that border security challenges vary across India’s international frontiers, particularly along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. He pointed to increasing concerns over infiltration, narcotics smuggling and the use of drones for dropping arms and drugs across the border. Shah said the government is aware of these evolving threats and is actively working to strengthen surveillance and coordination mechanisms to address them effectively.

Also Read: Assam CM Directs Officials To Intensify Market Surveillance To Control Prices

Referring to the Smart Border Fencing initiative, Shah said the project is being planned for implementation at selected high-risk locations across multiple states where the BSF and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed. He noted that the initiative is currently in its finalisation stage and will first be launched as a pilot project next year. Based on its performance and identified gaps, a full-scale rollout of the Smart Border Project will be undertaken.

Shah emphasised that border security must be approached in a comprehensive and integrated manner rather than in isolated segments. He also lauded the dedication and service of BSF personnel guarding India’s sensitive frontiers, stating that their commitment is widely recognised by citizens across the country. He added that the government has taken steps to improve welfare measures for security personnel and their families to address operational and personal challenges faced by them.

At the beginning of his address, Shah also paid tribute to Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, on his death anniversary. He said Golwalkar’s ideas on cultural nationalism, self-reliance and nation-building continue to influence generations and contribute to strengthening public service and national consciousness. The event was attended by senior officials, including the Tripura Chief Minister, Home Secretary and senior BSF leadership.

Also Read: CM Fadnavis Says Maharashtra Using AI To Transform Governance Systems