Rajnath Singh inaugurates 27 strategically important bridges near China and Pakistan borders

New Delhi, Dec 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four states and two Union Territories of the country. He also commended BRO for achieving the feat despite the challenges of sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes. Apart from this, BRO achieved the feat of completing a record 102 infrastructure projects in a single working season.

  

These bridges and roads are constructed with an aim to ensure the swift movement of troops at borders with China and Pakistan. It will also boost tourism in the region, ensuring socio-economic development. The official press release by the government stated that out of 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu & Kashmir, five each in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, out of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal.

 

 

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.

 

 

The highlight of the inauguration was 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 the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh, which holds the Guinness World Record of world's highest motorable road.

 

Earlier in June this year, Rajnath Singh had dedicated to the Nation 12 roads and 63 bridges – totalling 75 projects - in 75th year of Independence under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

 

"Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation," Singh said during the virtual inauguration from the nation's capital, New Delhi. "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," he added.

 

The defence minister also announced setting up of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 places, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. The official release stated that these cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries.

 

 

Singh said, keeping in view the security needs of the country, the Government has accorded top priority to infrastructure development in border areas, just as the focus has been on strengthening the interior parts. "We faced our adversary in the Northern sector recently with grit and determination. It could not have been possible without proper infrastructural development."

 

 

"The BRO has been fulfilling its duties with utmost dedication. Strong infrastructure in border areas is essential in today’s uncertain times as it strengthens strategic capabilities. As we move forward in the direction of strengthening our border infrastructure, we have to bolster our surveillance systems as well. Problems of infiltration, skirmishes, illegal trade and smuggling, etc often persist in border areas. In view of this, Government had started Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System sometime back," he added.

 

 

It is understood that the Flag Hill-Dokla road will reduce the travel time for Indian troops to reach the Dokla area near the Doklam plateau where a stand-off took place between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017. The road connecting Chisumale to Demchock provides an alternate route from Leh to the strategically important Demchock.