Imphal, Jan 3: Infrastructure development transforms people's lives in border areas and is a game changer for the region, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (Jan 3) during his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh following the Dec 9 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang area.

 

 

 

 

"In plains, the government is constructing smart roads but in many border areas roads are scarce. Many areas even don't have basic tracks. In such remote areas, the government has initiated several welfare schemes along with basic civic amenities like electricity, telecommunications, education, and health that require connectivity," he said. He was speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the Siyom Bridge in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

 

 

 

He said that being a gateway to East Asia, the development of the North Eastern region is the priority of the government. The Northeast is important not only for the development of the entire nation but also strengthens relations with East Asia in terms of trade, travel, and tourism. "PM Narendra Modi's government is working on developing better and smooth commuting facilities for the people in the country, especially in the North-East areas. These roads are significant from the strategic point of view too," he said.

 

He further said that India has always been against war. India has neither started a war against any country nor captured an inch of land from any country but this should not be taken for granted. "I used to confuse BRO (Border Roads Organisation) with 'Bro' means brother but after seeing the work they are doing, they are actually brothers of our Armed forces and people," he said. The Minister inaugurated a total of 28 projects at the cost of Rs 724.3 Cr that are being undertaken by BRO across the country at strategic locations; including eight in Ladakh, two in Rajasthan, three each in Uttarakhand and Punjab and four have been identified in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.