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From: Krishna_Vallabhaneni@lcc.com
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 15:52:54 -0400
Subject: Indian Roads and National Security

Actually, the highways in the United States are not designed just for
ground transportation of vehicles and troops, but for use by the Air Force
in times of War.  If you notice, especially in the Western United States
where the military bases are more spread out, there are very few trees that
allign the highways, but the trees are further away from the road instead.
This is to accomodate the wingspans of big bombers that require re-fueling
and cannot go back to base.  Given the fact that most bases are in South
India, it would make sense that planes would need easily available
airstrips to take off of and land in North and Central India during
emergency situations.

Regarding the payment of royalties for foreign technology, no one is
suggesting that this should happen.  The risk of foreigners coming in is
much greater in a private setting than in a public one.  I strongly beleive
that the only reason that the US highway system is so well maintained is
because it is run by the government.  How else could one be guaranteed free
access to these roads, without worrying about what caste or religion one
was?  The privatization of roads could lead to discrimination.  Also, we do
not necessarily need new technology.  India has millions of poor and
unemployed who are desperate to work.  We must make the best with what we
have and use our great supply of human labor.  The government could pay
local people willing to toil, to build roads in their region.

This concept is similar to the Works Public Adminstration established by
FDR during the Great Depression.  The government is the only entity that
can hire workers for the purpose of helping the economy, not private
companies.  If the Indian governmnet slashed the thousands of corrupt
bureaucrats and used the savings to pay for local laborers to build up the
highway system, as well as the rail system, this step alone would have a
huge effect on the growth of the Indian economy.

I think that the suggestion that we preserve the status quo is misguided,
given the fact that the same political bosses that would presently be
needed to build new roads are the same ones that run the state-own Indian
Railways.  What we need is a new perspective on infrastructure in India.
India's economy and her commercial life are serious issues that do effect
her national security.  I am confident that looking at the Indian economy
the same way as the Japanese or the Americans do is not right, but neither
is it right to look at it how the Congress party has for the last 4o-odd
years.  What we need is to find the middle ground.  Unfortunately, it seems
that the BJP is stalling the process with its latest budget.

Thank you for your comments.

Krishna





owner-india_policy@cinenet.net on 07/08/98 02:55:46 PM

To:   Krishna Vallabhaneni/Corporate/LCC
cc:
Subject:




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Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 00:21:49 +0530
From: Chief Access Facilitator <lists@webindia.com>
Subject: Transportation system
> I heard on National Public Radio that the U.S. Interstate Highway System
> was designed by the Defense Department during the Cold War years.  If
this
> is the case, should leaders in India look at ground transportation needs
> from a national security point of view?  What are you're feelings
> concerning this idea?
This appliles in the North Eastern and Border states more. Also on a
well knitted beach road which will help in movement of goods also. In
India, miltary transportation is more dependent on railways. Also major
bases are in deep south or in central india considering the deep
penetration capabilities of our neighbours. Railways have always
accorded high priority to miltary movement. The present status quo
should be continued with more emphasis on building a better rail
network. If you are concerned about the state of Indian roads, then the
specifications in the IRC are more than adequate. No need to pay
unneccessary royalty to foriegn companies for their technology. We have
to concetrate on avoiding the erring contractors and the politicall
bosses. Privatation of roads is the best option for this.
R Krishnan
CAF - Chief Access Facilitator
WebIndia - Welcome to Business in India
http://www.webindia.com/