Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur :TDD, In a significant move to enhance border infrastructure and boost socio-economic development in remote areas, India’s Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects on October 12, 2024.
The projects, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of Rs 2,236 crore, span across 11 border states and union territories, including the strategically important regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Headquarters of Trishakti Corps in Sukhna, West Bengal, marked a milestone in India’s commitment to strengthening its border regions.
The projects comprise 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two miscellaneous structures, all built under challenging weather conditions in some of the most inhospitable terrains of the country.
Of particular note are the 13 projects in Jammu and Kashmir, constructed by Project Sampark.
These include nine bridges that will provide all-weather connectivity to forward defense lines of the Armed Forces, as well as improve access for civilian vehicles in the upper regions of Udhampur, Kathua, and Jammu districts.
The Sanu, Chanani, and Korga bridges, with spans of 40m, 50m, and 55m respectively, are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing military mobility and civilian infrastructure.
The Naigarh and Nantoo bridges, constructed on the Dul-Galhar road, will facilitate access to important tourist and pilgrimage sites such as the Machil Mata Yatra and Buddhist festivals in Paddar. This improved connectivity is anticipated to generate new employment opportunities and boost tourism in the region.
In his address, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing border infrastructure, emphasizing its importance for national security and economic growth. He praised the BRO for its contribution to nation-building, highlighting their ability to promote enhanced defense preparedness while fostering economic development in border states through improved connectivity.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Defense Secretary-Designate RK Singh. Governors and Chief Ministers from various border states also participated virtually, underscoring the national importance of these infrastructure projects.
These developments come as part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen its border regions, not only from a defense perspective but also to improve the quality of life for residents in these often-neglected areas.
The completion of many of these projects in record time, some within a single working season, demonstrates the government’s urgency in addressing infrastructure gaps along the country’s borders.
As India continues to face geopolitical challenges along its northern and western frontiers, these infrastructure projects represent a significant step towards ensuring better preparedness and connectivity in strategic border areas.
The improved roads and bridges are expected to not only serve military purposes but also act as catalysts for economic growth, potentially transforming the socio-economic landscape of these remote regions in the years to come.
Member of Parliament Jammu Jugal Kishore formally inaugurated the Korga and Sahanu bridges by cutting ribbons after performing traditional rituals.
He was accompanied by Brigadier Neeraj Madan, Chief Engineer of Project Sampark, along with other BRO officers and local residents.
Kishore praised Project Sampark’s efforts and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s numerous development initiatives over the past decade, particularly in road and bridge construction to enhance connectivity.
The BRO’s work in constructing these bridges under challenging climatic and terrain conditions has been highly appreciated by the local population, civil administration, and Army formations. These new structures are expected to significantly boost socio-economic development in the region by generating employment opportunities and promoting tourism.TDD
