In a major push for border infrastructure and last-minute defence and civilian connectivity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Sunday, dedicated 125 strategically significant Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects to the nation from Ladakh
This was the largest-ever simultaneous inauguration for the BRO.
The projects are spread across two Union territories — Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir — and seven states — Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.
ALSO READ: India to get over 20 'retired' Jaguar fighter aircraft from Oman. What will IAF do with these?
The infrastructure package includes 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous projects, completed at a cost of approximately Rs 5,000 crore, marking the highest-value inauguration in BRO’s history.
The upgraded infrastructure is set to significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military locations, reducing isolation and linking border populations more closely with the mainland.
Singh said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening border infrastructure in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Fore more defence news and updates, visit: Fortress India
The event was organised on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie road at the Shyok Tunnel, one of the key projects inaugurated.
Built in extremely challenging terrain, the 920-metre cut-and-cover tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity to this strategic area and boost security, mobility and rapid deployment capabilities, particularly during winters when heavy snowfall and avalanches restrict movement.
Highlighting the wider impact of border infrastructure, Singh said roads and bridges serve as lifelines not just for security, but also for economic development and disaster management. He observed that strong infrastructure improves military mobility, ensures smoother logistics, promotes tourism, creates employment opportunities and strengthens public confidence in development and governance.
The defence minister underlined that India’s focus on roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centres and surveillance systems demonstrates that connectivity is central to national security. He commended the BRO for accelerating development through the timely execution of complex projects using indigenous solutions, describing the organisation as a synonym for communication and connectivity.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the successful execution of the operation was made possible by strong border connectivity. "Logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. Our connectivity with the border areas was maintained, making the operation a historic success.”