Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 75 BRO Projects in strategic forward areas

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched 75 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across 11 states and union territories, including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The total cost of these projects is ₹2,236 crore. This initiative is part of India’s efforts to improve infrastructure along its borders, especially in remote areas and near China.

During the virtual inauguration from Sukna in West Bengal, Singh highlighted that these projects will enhance military mobility and logistics for troops in forward areas. He emphasized that improving border infrastructure is essential for national defense and the socio-economic development of these regions. Singh stated that India aims to be one of the safest and strongest nations in the future.

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Responding to border challenges

This development is crucial, especially as China has been building its own infrastructure along the border over the past five years. The new projects will improve India's defense readiness, with 19 projects in Jammu and Kashmir, 11 in Ladakh, and others spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

With these additions, the total number of BRO projects completed this year rises to 111, costing ₹3,751 crore. Last year, 125 projects were completed for ₹3,611 crore, all aimed at bolstering India’s defense capabilities against regional threats. Singh praised the BRO for completing projects quickly, even in tough conditions, and promised more improvements in border infrastructure.

He noted that previous governments were hesitant to develop border areas, fearing they could benefit adversaries. However, Singh believes the last decade has seen significant progress with a growing network of roads linking villages and cities, enhancing national development. 

Despite lagging behind China in border infrastructure, India is rapidly advancing with strategic projects to support military operations. Ongoing tensions with China, particularly in eastern Ladakh, underline the need for a robust infrastructure to ensure that Indian forces are prepared for any situation.