The Defence Minister – Rajnath Singh, dedicated 75 infrastructure projects to the nation, built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) during a function at Ladakh on October 28, 2022.

These 75 projects – 45 bridges, 27 roads, two Helipads & one Carbon Neutral Habitat – are spread across six states & two Union Territories (UTs).

Twenty of these projects are in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K); 18 each in Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh; five in Uttarakhand, and 14 in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab & Rajasthan.

These strategically important projects have been constructed at a total cost of Rs 2,180 crore by the BRO in record time, many of which have been completed in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology.

Lauding the grit and determination of BRO for the feat despite challenging weather conditions, the Defence Minister pointed out that the projects will bolster the country’s defence preparedness & ensure economic development of border areas.

During the event, the 120-meter-long Class 70 Shyok Setu, was inaugurated on D-S-DBO Road at an altitude of 14,000 feet.

The bridge will facilitate the logistics movement of the Armed Forces. Other projects inaugurated virtually by the Defence Minister include two helipads, one each in Hanle and Thakung, in Eastern Ladakh. These helipads will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the region.

The BRO’s first Carbon Neutral Habitat was inaugurated at 19,000 feet in Hanle. It is BRO’s effort to contribute to Ladakh’s resolve to become the country’s first Carbon Neutral Union Territory.

Meanwhile, the features of this complex include the accommodation of 57 personnel and thermal comfort during extreme weather. It will enable BRO to operate efficiently during a large part of winter.

“Lack of infrastructure development in J&K for decades post-independence was one of the reasons behind the rise of terrorism in the UT. These internal disturbances resulted in a significant decline in tourist footfall that impacted Ladakh and the nation. Due to the government’s efforts, the region is witnessing a new dawn of peace& progress. Our aim is to continue with the development of all states/UTs of the country. Soon, all the remote areas would be connected with the rest of the country,” – asserted Singh.

The Defence Minister referred these bridges, roads & helipads would facilitate military and civil transport in far-flung areas of the western, northern, and northeastern parts of the country, forming a part of the development chain.