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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently unveiled a monumental milestone in India's border infrastructure development. At an event in Jammu, he inaugurated a remarkable 90 infrastructure projects carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), collectively valued at over Rs 2,900 crore. These strategic initiatives spanned across 11 states and Union Territories in the northern and north eastern regions of India, addressing critical connectivity and security needs.
The extensive portfolio of these projects included 22 new roads, 63 bridges, one tunnel, two airstrips, and two helipads. These infrastructural endeavours were strategically placed in 10 border states and Union Territories, fortifying India's border regions. Among these vital projects was the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, designed to bolster connectivity in this strategic region.
These infrastructure endeavours weren't isolated occurrences; instead, they were part of a broader trend. Since 2021, a staggering 295 infrastructure projects by BRO, with an aggregate cost of approximately Rs 8,000 crore, have been dedicated to the nation. This signifies a substantial commitment to enhancing border infrastructure and security.
In 2022 alone, 103 projects valued at nearly Rs 2,900 crore were unveiled, demonstrating the accelerated pace at which these vital undertakings were completed. The previous year, in 2021, saw 102 projects costing over Rs 2,200 crore being dedicated to the nation. This steady increase in infrastructure investment underlines the government's dedication to fortify border regions.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) acknowledged and commended the Border Roads Organisation for completing these strategically important projects in record time. A significant achievement was that most of these projects were accomplished within a single working season, showcasing the effective use of state-of-the-art technology and project management.
During the inauguration ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the BRO as the 'bro' or brother of the armed forces. He emphasized that the BRO's infrastructure initiatives played a dual role, not only in safeguarding India's borders but also in contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of remote regions. Singh highlighted the partnership between the BRO and the armed forces in securing the nation's borders and the essential role these infrastructure projects played in achieving this goal. He stated that the timely completion of such projects in far-flung areas had become the new norm for a progressive India.
Several of these projects held particular strategic significance. The Devak Bridge on the Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road, a 422.9-meter-long reinforced cement concrete bridge, was among them. Additionally, the 500-meter-long Nechiphu Tunnel, located on the route from Tezpur to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated. This tunnel, in conjunction with the under-construction Sela Tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region.
In West Bengal, Bagdogra and Barrackpore airfields were dedicated to the nation. These airfields, reconstructed at a cost exceeding Rs 500 crore, will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's operations and facilitate commercial flight operations in the region.
Furthermore, Singh virtually laid the foundation stone of the Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh. This airfield, with a development cost of approximately Rs 200 crore, is poised to boost air infrastructure in Ladakh and enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities along the Northern border. It is set to become one of the world's highest airfields, promising to be a game-changer for military operations in the region.
Looking ahead, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the BRO would soon set another record by constructing the Shimku La Tunnel, positioned at an altitude of 15,855 feet. This tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh to the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, serving as the world's highest tunnel.
In conclusion, these infrastructure projects represent a significant step in bolstering India's border security and connectivity. Beyond enhancing national security, they also foster connectivity with neighbouring friendly countries like Myanmar and Bhutan. This extensive investment in border infrastructure underscores the Indian government's commitment to ensuring the safety and development of remote regions.
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