Jammu: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has dedicated 90 infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation, with a total worth exceeding Rs 2,900 crore. These projects are distributed across 11 States and Union Territories but focus on the border with China.
The inauguration took place during an event in Jammu on Tuesday.
During his address, Rajnath Singh praised the BRO as the 'brother' of the Armed Forces. He emphasised that the BRO, through its infrastructure initiatives, not only safeguards India's borders but also plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of remote regions.
Singh attributed the timely completion of these projects to the hard work and dedication of BRO personnel, along with the commitment of the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
He said, "Together with BRO, we are ensuring that the nation is secure, and border areas are developed. Timely completion of infrastructure projects in far-flung areas has now become the new normal of New India."
These projects encompass a wide range of developments, including the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, two airfields in West Bengal, two helipads, 22 roads, and 63 bridges. Of these, 36 projects are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 in Ladakh, 11 in Jammu & Kashmir, five in Mizoram, three in Himachal Pradesh, and two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, with one project each in Nagaland, Rajasthan, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The BRO has accomplished the construction of these strategically vital projects in record time, many of them within a single working season, employing state-of-the-art technology.
The inauguration event was held at the Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road. This 422.9-meter-long Class 70 RCC Devak Bridge holds strategic importance as it enhances the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and promotes the socio-economic development of the region.
Another noteworthy infrastructure project inaugurated by Rajnath Singh was the 500-metre-long Nechiphu Tunnel on Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. Together with the under-construction Sela Tunnel, this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region, benefiting both the Armed Forces and tourists visiting Tawang.
Singh also virtually laid the foundation stone for the Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh. This airfield, to be developed at an approximate cost of Rs 200 crore, will enhance air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment the Indian Air Force's capabilities along the Northern border.
The Defence Minister expressed confidence that this airfield, one of the world's highest, will be a game-changer for the Armed Forces. He also praised the BRO for its efforts to set another unique record with the construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel, the world's highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet. This tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity.
Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of infrastructure development in border areas, not only for national security but also for promoting connectivity with neighbouring countries. He commended the BRO's role in constructing infrastructure projects in several countries such as Myanmar and Bhutan, contributing to peace and cooperation with these nations.
He referred to the BRO's working style and projects as a shining example of civil-military fusion, emphasising the need for civil-military coordination to ensure national security.
Singh also called on the BRO to involve local bodies and the people in understanding their needs and taking their input for projects in border areas, emphasising that the construction should reflect the spirit of 'for the people, of the people, and by the people.'
He appreciated the BRO's conscientiousness regarding environmental responsibilities and urged them to continue using modern techniques and technologies for infrastructure development while prioritising environmental protection, reported ANI.
With the inauguration of these 90 projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, a total of 295 BRO infrastructure projects, valued at approximately Rs 8,000 crore, have been dedicated to the nation since 2021. In 2022, 103 projects worth around Rs 2,900 crore were inaugurated, while in 2021, 102 projects, costing over Rs 2,200 crore, were dedicated to the nation.