Owing to increasing border tensions with neighbouring China and Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated a bridge built at a cost of 10 crore on Nelang border for strategic purpose and dedicated the bridge to the Indian army on Friday in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The 65-metre-long bridge will help in convenient movement of the logistics.
In all 75 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across six states and two Union Territories (UTs) were inaugurated by the Defence Minister.
The Defence Minister dedicated 45 bridges, 27 roads, two helipads & a Carbon Neutral Habitat spread across six border states and two border Union Territories constructed at a total cost of Rs 2,180 crore to the nation today. “The BRO projects will bolster defence preparedness & ensure economic development of border areas,” said Rajnath Singh.
The highlight of the event was the onsite inauguration of 120-metre-long Class 70 Shyok Setu on D-S-DBO Road at an altitude 14,000 feet. The bridge will be of strategic importance as it will facilitate logistics movement of the Armed Forces.
The BRO’s first Carbon Neutral Habitat at a height of 19,000 feet for its personnel was also inaugurated at Hanle. It is BRO’s effort towards contributing to Ladakh’s resolve of becoming the country’s first Carbon Neutral Union Territory. The key features of this complex include accommodation of 57 personnel and thermal comfort during extreme weather. It will enable BRO to operate efficiently during large part of winters.
“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 significant decline in tourist footfall that impacted Ladakh also, as well as the entire nation. Now, 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 will be connected with the rest of the country and together we will take the nation to newer heights of progress. BRO has a crucial role in achieving this objective,” said Rajnath Singh in a statement.
The two helipads in Hanle and Thakung, in Eastern Ladakh will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the region.