Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates 50 infra projects of BRO to nation

Dr Jitendra’s proposal for widening of Dhar Road to be expedited

*J&K LG expresses gratitude to PM, DM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today virtually dedicated 50 strategically significant infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organization (BRO)—30 bridges, 17 roads and three others to the nation.
These projects constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore are spread across six border States and two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal & Rajasthan – reinforcing India’s security, connectivity and development in remote regions.
The projects were dedicated to the nation during the 66th Raising Day of BRO at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Kiran Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were present at the venue.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Lt Governor Ladakh Brig. (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) joined the event virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that these projects will enhance connectivity, strengthen national security and promote economic prosperity of all these regions. “These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future,” he added.
Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development and highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revitalise border villages.
Meanwhile, in view of the current developments along the India-Pakistan border, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh’s proposal for the widening of the strategic Udhampur Dhar Road will be expedited.
This will be a significant boost to border infrastructure and regional connectivity, both from the point of view of ease of public transport and more so in the interest of border security and defence.
Dr Jitendra Singh had for long advocated the widening of the Dhar Road in response to a consistent public demand. However, the proposal faced delays due to technical constraints, as the existing BRO norms did not permit the required expansion, necessitating a referral to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
In the light of the current developments along the India- Pakistan border, Dr Jitendra Singh brought this issue to the notice of Indian Army as well as BSF authorities, citing the security angle related to the widening of this road, which found merit with all concerned.
The Defence as well as the MHA authorities have decided to follow up the issue with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to seek the widening of Dhar Road by NHAI.
Nearly 150 km Udhampur-Pathankot Dhar Road, constructed by the BRO, is virtually the lifeline of people living along the highway from Udhampur to Pathankot. Besides Pathankot, the road is a vital link to Ramnagar, Majalta, Samba and Kathua.
With recent developments, the proposal has gained fresh momentum, as both the Ministry of Home Affairs-based on inputs from the BSF-and the Ministry of Defence-acting on inputs from the Indian Army-have extended their support. This renewed backing is expected to place the project on a fast track in the near future.
Dr Jitendra Singh again followed up this issue today with the concerned authorities during a BRO function at which he was accompanying the Defence Minister, who inaugurated 50 major projects completed by BRO including six vital projects including five bridges and one road in the Udhampur region of Jammu & Kashmir.
These projects are Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah (Sewal Bridge), Dhar-Udhampur (Pesku Bridge), Dhar-Udhampur (Dersu-VI Bridge), Jammu-Srinagar (Birhon Bridge), Rajpura-Nidhala (Babban Bridge) and one key road in an operationally active area.
The newly inaugurated bridges are Sewal Bridge on the Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah axis, Pesku and Dersu-VI Bridges on the Dhar-Udhampur road, Birhon Bridge on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and the Babban Bridge on the Rajpura-Nidhala route.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor, J&K Manoj Sinha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for inaugurating 6 new strategically vital infrastructure projects in the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor said these key infrastructure projects will have immense socio-economic and strategic importance for Jammu Kashmir.
“These projects will prove to be the lifeline for the people in the concerned districts and they will bring positive changes in socio-economic development of the area. These projects will also provide much-needed connectivity to the armed forces and will enhance their operational activities,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Of the 50 projects, 16 significant ones are located in the Union Territory of Ladakh. These are Tangtse-Lukung Road, Karu-Tangtse Road, Chusul-Dungti-Fukhe-Demchok Road, Puga-Pologongka Road, Mahe-Debring Road, Leh-Loma Road, Lukung-Phobrang Road, Tangtse-Horong-Chusul Road, Kanglajal Bridge-I, Kanglajal Bridge-II, Fukche Talza Bridge, Fukche Lungpa Bridge under Project Himank, and Hanu Yokma Bridge and Domkhar Bridge.
Additionally, two other key works have also been completed—-a specialised ammunition cavern at Hanle and road surfacing using ILCB technology at Chang La and Wari La, further enhancing infrastructure resilience in tough terrains.
Commenting on this development, the CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson said, “the completion and dedication of these works mark a significant milestone in the development journey of Ladakh as a Union Territory”.

The post Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates 50 infra projects of BRO to nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior.

News