Nevertheless I am aware that progress so far has not been entirely satisfactory. This has primarily due to uncertainty in sources of supply and the types of plant we would finally get. Just at present we have received assurance from the United States Government in respect of supply of plant required for the Small Arms Ammunition Factory. We have also very recently received assurance of financial assistance from the United Kingdom Government for plant towards another factory. Regarding the other four factories, efforts are continuing to secure assistance and if we fail to receive such assistance in full, we may have to divert our limited technical and financial resources to meet our requirements.
As regards the setting up of factories for production of MIG aircraft, land have been acquired and all preliminaries for obtaining power, water and provision of facilities for training of technical personnel, railway sidings have reached an advanced stage. The factories are being set up in collaboration with Soviet specialists. As the House is aware we have also suggested certain improvements in the MIG 21 Plane to suit our requirements.
Maintenance of our Armed Forces in forward areas calls for development of modes and means of communication. The programme of building up land communications in these areas has been directed towards meeting the high priority demands of the Armed Forces. Most of these roads are being constructed by the Border Roads Development Board. Till the- beginning of June 1963 this Organisation had carried out formation cutting of nearly 1600 miles, developed land communication of over 600 miles and done survey and reconnaissance of about 2700 miles. The Board has recently approved a programme which envisages construction of 300 miles of new roads, improvement and maintenance of 300 miles of existing roads and surfacing of about 300 miles. I was happy that some Members of this House found it possible to visit Border areas and see for themselves some of the work which is being done in this direction.
At present our formations in forward areas rely to a considerable extent on the airlift offered by the IAF. If I could show the Honourable Members some of the airfields and dropping zones where they have operated this House would share my admiration, for the initiative and courage that these young men of the IAF have displayed in the performance of their tasks; they have not been deterred by the weather, terrain or the other difficulties that they had to face.
To logistically support our establishments in border areas we have been able to considerably argument our transport fleet by obtaining additional aircraft from Ewer U.S.A., U.S.S.R. and Canada. In November last, the United States Government generously offered us the services of a transport squadron of C-130 Planes. The dedicated manner in which the crews accompanying these planes carried out airlift of men, equipment and provisions needs to be specially mentioned. With the improvement in our logistics and our own airlift capacity it has now been possible to agree to the withdrawal of this squadron.