Boost to border infra, new bridges for Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 28

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the country faced the adversary (China) in the northern sector recently with grit and determination. This could not have been possible without proper infrastructural development, he asserted as he went on to praise the Border Roads Organisation.

A strong infrastructure in border areas is essential in today’s uncertain times as it strengthens strategic capabilities, the Defence Minister said, adding that as part of the border infrastructure, India must bolster surveillance systems as well.

Rajnath was speaking at a function to dedicate to the nation 24 bridges and three roads built by the BRO.

Of the 24 bridges unveiled virtually, nine are in Jammu and Kashmir, five each are located in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three are in Uttarakhand and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Also read: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur thanks Rajnath Singh for five bridges

Of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal. Among the key border projects are an indigenous 140-ft double-lane modular bridge, built at a height of 11,000 ft in Flag Hill-Dokala, Sikkim, and the Chisumle-Demchok road that passes through Umling La at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh. It holds the Guinness World Record of world’s highest motorable road.

The projects have ensured a significant road network along the northern and eastern borders of the country. Rajnath Singh said the road at Umling La in eastern Ladakh would enable faster movement of the armed forces, boost tourism and ensure socio-economic development of the region.

Rajnath Singh defined the construction of roads, highways, tunnels and bridges in border areas as pivotal to building a strong and prosperous nation. It would improve the socio-economic condition of the people in far-flung areas and help the country achieve its security, communication and trade objectives.

27 projects unveiled

• Of the 24 bridges unveiled, 9 are in J&K, 5 each are located in Ladakh and HP, 3 in Uttarakhand, and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal.
• Of three border road projects, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal.