Historic move! Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveils record 125 border projects from Ladakh

Spread across 2 Union Territories - Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir - and 7 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 approx. 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.

Singh, 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 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.

Singh 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 of developing 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.

Rajnath Singh acknowledged the BRO for its humanitarian assistance efforts this year including the Mana avalanche in Uttarakhand, where 46 workers were rescued; the evacuation of over 1,600 stranded tourists in North Sikkim, which witnessed landslides triggered by heavy rain, and the cloudburst in Chasoti, J&K, where nearly 5,000 pilgrims were evacuated in record time