India has launched 90 Border infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), worth over Rs 2,900 crore, spread across 11 States/Union Territories.
The projects were inaugurated by the Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at an event in Jammu on September 12, 2023.
These include Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh; two airfields in West Bengal; two helipads; 22 roads and 63 bridges.
Of these 90 projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh; 26 in Ladakh; 11 in Jammu & Kashmir; five in Mizoram; three in Himachal Pradesh; two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand & West Bengal and one each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Notably, the BRO has completed the construction of these strategically-important projects in record time; most of them in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology.
The Defence Minister also expressed hope the BRO will soon set another unique record with the construction of Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet.
The tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh and provide all weather connectivity.
Further, the Defence Minister emphasized that infrastructure development in border areas is not only effective for national security, but also promotes connectivity with a neighboring country which functions with a spirit of co-operation with India.
Further, he pointed out that the BRO has constructed infrastructure projects in several countries such as Myanmar & Bhutan and helped in strengthening peace and cooperation with them.
Noteworthy, with the inauguration of these 90 projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, a record 295 infrastructure projects of the BRO, at an overall cost of approx. Rs 8,000 crore, have been dedicated to the nation since 2021.
In 2022, 103 projects worth approx. Rs 2,900 crore were inaugurated; while in 2021, 102 projects at a cost of over Rs 2,200 crore were dedicated to the nation.
Border Infrastructure Projects
The details of some of the border infrastructure projects are as under:
Devak Bridge
The event was organised at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road, which was inaugurated by the Defence Minister.
The state-of-the-art 422.9 meter long Class 70 RCC Devak bridge is of strategic importance as it will enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and boost socio-economic development of the region.
Nechiphu Tunnel
An important infrastructure project inaugurated by the Defence Minister was the 500-metre long Nechiphu Tunnel on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh.
This tunnel, along with the under construction Sela Tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region.
Notably, it will be beneficial to the Armed Forces deployed in the region and the tourists visiting Tawang.
Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields
The revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields in West Bengal were also launched.
These airfields, reconstructed at a cost of over Rs 500 crore, will not only bolster the preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF), but also facilitate commercial flight operations in the region.
Nyoma Airfield
In addition, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh.
This airfield, to be developed at a cost of approx. Rs 200 crore, will boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment IAF’s capability along the Northern border.
This airfield, which will be one of the world’s highest, would prove to be a game-changer for the Armed Forces.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/
