Defence Minister inaugurates 125 strategic projects, boosts India's border infrastructure

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The 900-meter-long Shyok Tunnel, built on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Ladakh, has been commissioned. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated the Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh, along with 125 strategically important infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organization, to the nation.

These projects include 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four other strategic infrastructure projects. These projects span seven states and two union territories. The Defense Minister described the 920-meter-long Shyok Tunnel as an engineering marvel built in one of the world's most difficult and challenging terrains.

He stated that this tunnel will significantly enhance security, mobility, and military deployment capabilities, especially during the harsh winters, in this region prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme temperatures. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister said, "During Operation Sindoor, the coordination between our armed forces and the civil administration, along with the citizens of the border areas, was outstanding. I express my gratitude to every citizen of Ladakh and the border areas for their support to our armed forces. This coordination is our identity. Our interconnectedness is what makes us unique in the world."

The Defence Minister said, "Just a few months ago, we witnessed our armed forces carry out Operation Sindoor in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The world knows what fate befell the terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, did only what was necessary. Such a massive operation was possible because of our strong connectivity. Logistics were delivered to our armed forces in a timely manner. We also maintained connectivity with the border areas, which made Operation Sindoor a historic success."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that in addition to Ladakh, other projects are being dedicated to the nation today in Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. These 125 projects, completed at a cost of approximately ₹5,000 crore, are the highest-value inaugurations in the BRO's history. Never before have such a large number of infrastructure projects, 125 in all, been launched simultaneously. This in itself is a major achievement for the BRO and for all of us. This achievement is a testament to the resolve for a developed India, while on the other hand, these projects are a living example of our government's commitment to strengthening border infrastructure.

He said, "I remember, in May of this year, we dedicated 50 projects to the nation. I was very happy then. Today, with this historic milestone, you have multiplied my happiness manifold. The rapid infrastructure development that BRO has achieved in border areas over the past few years has also provided a significant boost to national development. By successfully completing even complex projects through indigenous solutions, BRO has today emerged as a synonym for 'communication' and 'connectivity.'"

Rajnath Singh said, "It has always been our endeavor to strengthen our communication and connectivity with all border areas, including Ladakh. If I may give you another example of this, during the recent Chanakya Defense Dialogue, I inaugurated a 200-kilowatt green hydrogen-based power plant in Ladakh, which will be very beneficial for this region as well as the surrounding areas."

He said, "The brave soldiers of our armed forces and all the BRO personnel like you are working tirelessly for the country. Your spirit of perseverance, in any weather and under any conditions, is the reason our country is constantly reaching new heights. Until 2014, India had 97,000 kilometers of national highways, but today this number has increased to nearly 150,000 kilometers. While India had only 74 airports in 2014, today their number has more than doubled. Overall, friends, your success depends on how hard you work."