In a significant boost to India’s border infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday. These projects, valued at ₹2,236 crore, span across 11 states and union territories, including strategic regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
During a virtual inauguration from Sukna, Singh emphasized that these developments would enhance military mobility and logistics support for forces stationed in forward areas. “These projects reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthen border infrastructure and promote socio-economic progress in these regions,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes vital roads and bridges that are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency for the armed forces. Singh remarked, “India will be one of the safest and strongest nations in the times to come,” underscoring the importance of robust infrastructure in bolstering national security.
This initiative comes at a time when China has been ramping up its infrastructure development along its border with India. Singh noted that these projects would enhance India’s defence preparedness, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in areas like Ladakh, which has seen heightened military activity over the past five years.
Of the 75 projects, 19 are located in Jammu and Kashmir, 11 in Ladakh, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, and others spread across Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This brings the total number of BRO projects dedicated to the nation this year to 111, at a total cost of ₹3,751 crore.
Last year, 125 BRO projects worth ₹3,611 crore were inaugurated, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance India’s defense capabilities against potential threats from the north and west. Singh praised the determination and resilience of BRO personnel, who have completed projects under challenging conditions and adverse weather.
He further noted that the previous governments had hesitated to develop border areas due to concerns that such infrastructure could be exploited by adversaries. However, Singh asserted, “In the last decade, we have built a vast network of roads from villages to cities, resulting in unprecedented progress.”
The BRO has completed 450 projects worth ₹16,000 crore over the last five years, which include new roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields, and helipads, as the Indian military continues to strengthen its readiness in the strategically vital forward areas.
Despite India lagging behind China in terms of border infrastructure, the government is making strides to catch up through expedited execution of strategic projects, increased funding, and a focused adoption of technology. This push follows the military standoff that began in April-May 2020, with ongoing negotiations aimed at restoring the status quo along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).
As the situation remains tense in eastern Ladakh, Singh expressed confidence in the army’s preparedness to address any contingencies, while also hoping for a peaceful resolution through dialogue with China.
Sources By Agencies