Raksha Mantri Inaugurates 90 BRO Infrastructure Projects Valued At More Than Rs 2,900 Crore

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has dedicated to the nation 90 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), worth over Rs 2,900 crore, spread across 11 States/Union Territories. The projects were inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri at an event in Jammu on September 12, 2023. These include Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh; two airfields in West Bengal; two helipads; 22 roads and 63 bridges. Of these 90 projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh; 26 in Ladakh; 11 in Jammu & Kashmir; five in Mizoram; three in Himachal Pradesh; two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand & West Bengal and one each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Record-Breaking Achievements by BRO

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved an extraordinary feat by completing the construction of these strategically-important projects in record time, with most of them being executed within a single working season using state-of-the-art technology. In his address, the Raksha Mantri described the BRO as the ‘brother‘ of the Armed Forces, emphasizing that through its infrastructure projects, the BRO is not only securing India’s borders but also playing a key role in the socio-economic development of remote areas.

Devak Bridge

The event took place at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road, which was inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri. The state-of-the-art 422.9-meter-long Class 70 RCC Devak bridge is strategically significant as it will enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and boost the socio-economic development of the region.

Nechiphu Tunnel

An important infrastructure project inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri was the 500-meter-long Nechiphu Tunnel on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. This tunnel, along with the under-construction Sela Tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region. It will benefit both the Armed Forces deployed in the region and the tourists visiting Tawang.

Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields

The revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields in West Bengal were also dedicated to the nation. These airfields, reconstructed at a cost of over Rs 500 crore, will not only bolster the preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF) but also facilitate commercial flight operations in the region.

Nyoma Airfield

Additionally, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh. This airfield, to be developed at a cost of approximately Rs 200 crore, will enhance the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment the IAF’s capability along the Northern border. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that this airfield, one of the world’s highest, would prove to be a game-changer for the Armed Forces.

Shinkun La Tunnel – A Unique Record Ahead

The Raksha Mantri also expressed hope that the BRO would soon set another unique record with the construction of Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet. This tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity. He commended the BRO for developing infrastructure in border areas and making an invaluable contribution to the security of the nation.

Strengthening International Relations

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that infrastructure development in border areas is not only effective for national security but also promotes connectivity with neighboring countries, fostering cooperation with India. He pointed out that the BRO has constructed infrastructure projects in several countries such as Myanmar and Bhutan, contributing to peace and cooperation.

A Remarkable Record of Development

With the inauguration of 90 projects worth Rs 2,900 crore on this occasion, a total of 295 infrastructure projects of the BRO, with an overall cost of approximately Rs 8,000 crore, have been dedicated to the nation since 2021. In 2022, 103 projects worth approximately Rs 2,900 crore were inaugurated, while in 2021, 102 projects at a cost of over Rs 2,200 crore were dedicated to the nation.

The Border Roads Organisation continues to play a pivotal role in securing India’s borders and fostering socio-economic development in remote regions, demonstrating unwavering dedication and excellence in its endeavors.

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