New Delhi, December 7
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today dedicated to the nation 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – the most to have ever been inaugurated simultaneously – from Ladakh. Spread across two Union Territories – Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir – and seven States – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and 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 Shri 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. He 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.
Singh emphasised that the speed with which India is strengthening its borders with roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centers and 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.
On Operation Sindoor, Singh said: “Our Armed Forces launched the operation in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Everybody knows what befell on those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, only did only what was necessary. Such a massive operation was possible due to our strong connectivity. Logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. Our connectivity with the border areas was maintained, making the operation a historic success.”
Singh dubbed the coordination between the Armed Forces and the civil administration, along with the people of border areas, during the operation as incredible. “This coordination; this mutualism is our identity. This is what makes us unique in the world,” he said, expressing gratitude to the residents of border areas for their support to our Armed Forces.
Referring to India’s GDP growth which has reached 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025-26, Singh stated that connectivity and communication play a significant role in not just security, but economic prosperity as well. “This growth is the result of the Government’s pro-growth policies and reforms, as well as the hard work of every Indian. We’re witnessing many wars and conflicts today. Post Operation Sindoor, we also witnessed a major conflict. But despite these challenges, our economy continues to grow, we continue to move forward,” he said.
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.
Lauding the BRO for making great progress in the field of technological innovation, Singh asserted that advanced engineering methods are accelerating the completion and delivery of infrastructure. He made special mention of the BRO’s adoption of indigenously developed Class-70 modular bridges in partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The successful construction of these modular bridges at several forward locations is a powerful example of how indigenous technology is transforming infrastructure in border areas. These bridges, completely designed and manufactured in India, mark a significant milestone in India’s engineering self-reliance,” he said.
