LEH, December 7: In the largest-ever simultaneous infrastructure inauguration by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday dedicated 125 strategically important projects to the nation from Ladakh. With a combined cost of nearly ₹5,000 crore, the projects include 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous works across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and seven states—Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.
Officials said the upgraded assets will substantially improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military posts, strengthening logistics and linking strategic areas more closely with the national mainstream. Singh described the projects as evidence of the central government’s commitment to building a secure and developed India under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
‘Operation Sindoor Showed India’s Resolve’
Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Singh said the operation demonstrated the Armed Forces’ capability and composure.
“Our Armed Forces acted with courage and restraint, carrying out what was necessary,” he said. “The success of such a major operation was possible due to strong connectivity, uninterrupted logistics and sustained access to border areas.”
He credited the coordination between the Armed Forces, civil administration and border residents as a major factor, calling it “India’s unique strength.”
Connectivity Driving Economic Momentum
Highlighting India’s GDP growth of 8.2% in the second quarter of 2025–26, the Defence Minister said improved communication and transport networks are critical both for national security and economic expansion.
“Despite global conflicts and challenges after Operation Sindoor, India’s economy continues to grow,” he said, attributing it to government reforms and the efforts of citizens.
BRO’s Humanitarian and Engineering Achievements Recognised
Singh praised the BRO for its humanitarian assistance, including the rescue of 46 workers during the Mana avalanche in Uttarakhand, evacuation of over 1,600 stranded tourists in North Sikkim after landslides, and the swift evacuation of nearly 5,000 pilgrims during the Chasoti cloudburst in J&K.
He also acknowledged the BRO’s technological advancements, particularly the adoption of indigenous Class-70 modular bridges developed with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
“These bridges show how Indian engineering is reshaping infrastructure in forward areas,” he said.
Record Capital Spending, Push for Defence Self-Reliance
The Defence Minister noted that the BRO recorded its highest-ever expenditure of ₹16,690 crore in 2024–25, with a target of ₹18,700 crore for 2025–26. He reiterated the government’s aim to make India self-reliant in defence manufacturing, citing the sharp rise in domestic production—from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.51 lakh crore today—and export growth from under ₹1,000 crore to nearly ₹24,000 crore over the decade.
DGBR Credits Government Support for BRO Expansion
Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan thanked the Defence Minister and the government for policy support that enabled BRO to expand capabilities. He said BRO remains the preferred executing agency for key ministries operating in India’s most difficult terrains.
Leaders Across States and UTs Attend Ceremony
The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Union Ministers Dr Jitendra Singh and Kiren Rijiju, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior military officials.
Background: BRO’s Expanding Footprint
In the past two years, 356 BRO projects have been dedicated to the nation, underscoring its capability to operate in high-altitude, desert, flood-prone and forested terrain. The BRO’s budget has been increased to ₹7,146 crore in the 2025–26 Union Budget.
Singh also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
The ceremony was held at the Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road, one of the prominent projects inaugurated. The 920-metre Cut-and-Cover tunnel is expected to provide all-weather reliability in a region prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches and extreme temperatures, significantly improving mobility and rapid deployment capability.
