Defence minister Rajnath Singh unveils 27 border infrastructure projects:
- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the Nation 24 bridges and three roads, built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories, through a virtual event.
- Of the 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu & Kashmir; five each in Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh; three in Uttarakhand and one each in Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh. Of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal.
- The main highlight was the inauguration of India’s first indigenous Class 70 140-feet Double-Lane Modular Bridge, built at the height of 11,000 feet at Flag Hill Dokala, Sikkim and Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh which also holds the Guinness World Record of world’s highest motorable road.
About projects :
- The projects e-inaugurated by Shri Rajnath Singh have been completed on important road axis and laterals along the Northern and Eastern borders of the country.
- Speaking on the occasion, he termed the inauguration as a reflection of the BRO’s commitment to the progress of border areas and exuded confidence that these construction works would go a long way in the development of a New India.
- The road at Umling-La pass will enable faster movement of Armed Forces, boost tourism and ensure socio-economic development of the region.
- Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation.
- projects will bolster security
- ensure socio-economic development of far-flung areas & contribute in developing a New India
- the indigenous Double-Lane Modular Bridge as a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’and appreciated the fact that it has been developed at a much lower cost and can be dismantled, if need be.
- “It is an important milestone on the path to achieve ‘Make in India’ as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a symbol of the Government’s resolve to provide faster connectivity to border areas.
- It will also pave the way for the construction of more bridges in such areas.
Record set by BRO:
- The e-inauguration has taken the tally of infrastructure projects executed by BRO to a record 102 in a single working season, that too in the 75thyear of India’s Independence.
- The BRO has completed the construction in a record timeframe, with state-of-the-art technology used in most of them.
- Earlier in June this year, Shri Rajnath Singh had dedicated to the Nation 12 roads and 63 bridges – totalling 75 projects – in 75thyear of Independence under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Announcement of BRO café:
- To boost tourism and facilitate the Armed Forces personnel in border areas, the Raksha Mantri announced setting up of ‘BRO Cafes’ at 75 places, as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
- These Cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries.
- It will promote tourism & regional culture and improve the socio-economic condition of the local people by providing them with employment opportunities.
About Border road organization:
- The Border Roads Organisation(BRO) is a road construction executive force in India that provides s
- upport to and is a part of the Indian Armed Forces.
- BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
- This includes infrastructure operations in 19 states and three union territories (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
- Formation – 7 May 1960
- Director general – Lt.Gen. Rajiv Chaudhari