On October 12, 2024, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated 75 new infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), amounting to a total investment of ₹2,236 crore. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance India’s border infrastructure, reinforcing both military preparedness and socio-economic development in border regions.
Key Highlights of the Inauguration:
Scope of Projects: The inaugurated projects include 22 roads and 51 bridges, along with two miscellaneous projects. They are distributed across 11 states and union territories including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Jammu and Kashmir Specifics:
Among these, 19 projects are situated in Jammu and Kashmir, costing approximately ₹731.22 crore. This includes seven roads, such as the Bishnah-Kaulpur-Khojipur and various segments of the Basoli-Bani-Bhaderwah route, and twelve important bridges.
Geographical Distribution:
The collective projects are designed to bolster connectivity in strategic border areas, with significant examples being the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, which enhances military logistics.
Overall Impact:
The recent projects contribute to the completion of 111 BRO infrastructure projects in 2024 alone, with an overall cost of ₹3,751 crore. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in border areas to support national security and promote harder-to-reach local economies.
Government Commitment:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that these developments align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, highlighting the strategic and socio-economic significance of enhancing infrastructure in India’s border regions.
This inauguration reflects a comprehensive and strategic effort to boost infrastructure in border regions, ensuring better connectivity, military readiness, and development in some of the nation’s most challenging terrains.