First Published: 12th October, 2024 20:52 IST
Key projects include the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, connecting strategic points near the China border.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Saturday , virtually inaugurated 75 new infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), worth Rs. 2,236 crore. These projects comprising 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other developments are spread across 11 states and Union Territories.
The projects include 19 in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, nine in Uttarakhand, six in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, two each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and one each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Rajnath Singh inaugurated the projects from the Headquarters of Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal. A highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, a vital link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis, enhancing strategic connectivity in the state.
During his address, Defence Minister hailed these projects as a strong reflection of the government’s dedication to bolstering border infrastructure while ensuring the socio-economic development of these areas. He emphasized that the projects will significantly enhance India’s defense preparedness. He linked these developments to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047,’ stressing that such infrastructure is key to achieving this goal.
With the launch of these 75 projects, BRO has completed 111 infrastructure projects in 2024 alone, at a total cost of Rs. 3,751 crore. This includes the earlier-inaugurated Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, a state-of-the-art project opened by the Prime Minister earlier this year.
Rajnath Singh praised the determination of BRO personnel for completing these projects despite tough terrains and harsh weather conditions. He noted the increased allocation of Rs. 6,500 crore for BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25, which he said would further enhance both strategic infrastructure and the socio-economic development of border areas, particularly in the Northeast.
The Defence Minister pointed out that earlier governments were hesitant about developing border areas, fearing it might benefit adversaries. However, he said, the Modi government has prioritized border infrastructure as crucial for both strategic and socio-economic reasons. “In the last decade, we’ve built an extensive network of roads connecting villages to cities, driving unprecedented progress across the country,” he stated.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, and other top military officials were present with Rajnath Singh during the virtual event. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended from the main site in Sherathang, alongside governors and leaders from various states who joined virtually.
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