Leh, Dec 7 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has officially launched 125 crucial infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), reinforcing the commitment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to enhance border infrastructure.

Describing these connectivity initiatives as essential for security, economic growth, and disaster management, Rajnath Singh remarked, “A strong infrastructure in border regions yields multiple advantages. It boosts military mobility, facilitates logistics transport, enhances tourism and job creation, and importantly, fosters a greater belief in development, democracy, and the government’s efforts.”

The projects inaugurated encompass two Union Territories — Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir — alongside seven states: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Mizoram.

This initiative includes 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four additional projects, all accomplished with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore, marking the highest-value launches in the history of the BRO.

He underlined that the pace at which India is enhancing its border infrastructure with roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centres, and surveillance systems proves that connectivity is a vital aspect of security.

Rajnath Singh praised the BRO for accelerating national development by promptly completing intricate projects and employing indigenous solutions.

He stated that the BRO has become synonymous with communication and connectivity, emphasizing the government’s determination to strengthen these key elements of development in border areas.

“Our government, armed forces, and organizations like the BRO are dedicated to the comprehensive development of our border regions. We need to fortify the connection between border areas and the national mainstream, ensuring that this relationship remains unaffected by external influences,” he asserted.

The inauguration was held at the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road near the Shyok Tunnel, which is one of the flagship projects unveiled by Rajnath Singh.

This engineering marvel, constructed in one of the world’s most challenging terrains, will provide all-weather, dependable connectivity to this strategic region, enhancing security, mobility, and swift deployment capabilities, particularly during severe winters prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme temperatures.