Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday dedicated to the nation 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – the most to have ever been inaugurated simultaneously – from Ladakh.
Spread across two Union Territories – Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir – and seven states – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal & Mizoram, these projects – 28 Roads, 93 Bridges and 4 Miscellaneous – have been completed at a cost of approximately Rs 5,000 crore, the highest-value inaugurations in the BRO’s history.
These upgraded infrastructure projects will significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military locations, bringing these areas closer to the national mainstream.
The defence minister described the projects as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering commitment to keep strengthening the border infrastructure in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The event was organised in Ladakh on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road at the Shyok Tunnel, which is among the key projects inaugurated by Rajnath Singh. This engineering marvel, built in one of the world’s toughest and most challenging terrain, will ensure all-weather, reliable connectivity to this strategic area, he said, adding that this 920-metre Cut and Cover tunnel will significantly enhance security, mobility, and rapid deployment capabilities, especially during harsh winters, as the region is prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme temperatures.
He also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh to honour the unmatched bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the Armed Forces personnel.
Singh voiced the government’s resolve to develop the border areas, stating that these connectivity tools are lifelines for security, economy, and disaster management. “There are numerous benefits of robust infrastructure in border areas. It ensures military mobility, smooth transportation of logistics, increase in tourism & employment opportunities and, most importantly, stronger faith in development, democracy & the government,” he said.
Rajnath Singh emphasised that the speed with which India is strengthening its borders with roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centers & surveillance systems is proof that connectivity is a backbone of security, and not a separate entity.
He commended the BRO for significantly accelerating national development by completing complex projects with speed & efficiency, and through indigenous solutions.
The BRO has emerged as a synonym of ‘Communication’ and ‘Connectivity’, he said, underlining the government’s endeavor to bolster these two important facets of development in border areas. “Our Government, Armed Forces, and organisations like the BRO are working diligently for the holistic development of our border areas. We must continue strengthening the bond between the border regions and national mainstream so that the relationship is not influenced by any external factors,” he said.
Lauding the BRO for making great progress in the field of technological innovation, Raksha Mantri asserted that advanced engineering methods are accelerating the completion and delivery of infrastructure.
He made special mention of the BRO’s adoption of indigenously developed Class-70 modular bridges in partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The successful construction of these modular bridges at several forward locations is a powerful example of how indigenous technology is transforming infrastructure in border areas. These bridges, completely designed and manufactured in India, mark a significant milestone in India’s engineering self-reliance,” he said.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, J&K Lt Gov Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, other senior officials and BRO personnel attended the event.