GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Oct. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, on October 12, 2024, virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), totaling ₹2,236 crore. These projects, comprising 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other developments, span across 11 states and Union Territories. The breakdown includes 19 projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, 9 in Uttarakhand, 6 in Sikkim, 5 in Himachal Pradesh, 2 each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and 1 each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal, with one of the key projects being the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim. This road serves as a critical link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis.
A Step Towards Enhanced Defence and Socio-Economic Growth
In his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that these infrastructure developments reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering border infrastructure and enhancing socio-economic progress in remote regions. He highlighted that these projects would significantly boost India’s defence preparedness and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047.’
With the launch of these 75 projects, BRO has completed 111 infrastructure projects in 2024, at a combined cost of ₹3,751 crore. This includes 36 projects worth ₹1,508 crore, featuring high-profile developments like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In 2023, 125 BRO projects were dedicated to the nation, with a cumulative investment of ₹3,611 crore.
Government’s Focus on Strategic Border Development
Acknowledging the dedication of BRO personnel, Rajnath Singh praised their efforts in completing projects under challenging conditions. He also underscored the government’s intention to further strengthen border infrastructure during its third term, supported by a budgetary allocation of ₹6,500 crore for BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25. This increased funding aims to not only advance strategic infrastructure but also drive socio-economic growth in border areas, including the North-East region.
Rajnath Singh pointed out a shift in the government’s approach since 2014, where previous administrations had hesitated to develop border areas due to strategic concerns. He reiterated the Modi government’s priority on border region development, recognizing its importance from both socio-economic and strategic standpoints. “In the last decade, we have built a vast network of roads from villages to cities, which has resulted in the country witnessing progress at an unprecedented pace,” he stated.
Vision for a Secure and Stronger Nation
Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh assured that the development of border areas would continue to expand, promising a secure and resilient India in the future. He highlighted that India is on a path to becoming one of the safest and strongest nations.
Distinguished Attendees at the Event
The virtual event witnessed the presence of prominent officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the event from the main site in Sherathang, Sikkim. Additionally, Governors of several states, Lt Governors of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Union Ministers joined the event virtually, underlining the significance of this national initiative.
