Delhi, December 7: 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 04 Miscellaneous - have been completed at a cost of nearly 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. Raksha Mantri, in his address, described the projects as a testament to Prime Minister Shri 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 on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road at the Shyok Tunnel, which is among the key projects inaugurated by 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, said Singh 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.
The Defence Minister also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh to honour the unmatched bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the Armed Forces personnel.
“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.
