In a significant move to bolster India's border infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate 75 strategic projects worth ₹2,236 crore on October 12th. These projects, developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), include roads and bridges crucial for enhancing military mobility and logistics support in forward areas along the borders with China and other remote regions.
This initiative comes amidst ongoing tensions with China and its own aggressive infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The projects are spread across several strategically important states and union territories including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
During his visit to Sikkim, Singh will officially open the Kupup-Sherathang road and virtually inaugurate the remaining 74 projects, some of which are located in West Bengal, Nagaland, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This brings the total number of BRO infrastructure projects inaugurated this year to 111, with a combined value of ₹3,751 crore.
The Defence Minister will spend Dussehra with troops stationed along the border and address the Army Commanders’ conference in Gangtok on October 11th. This marks the first time this key meeting will be held near the China border, underscoring the ongoing tensions and the importance of these infrastructure projects in strengthening India's defence preparedness.
The projects include 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other critical infrastructure developments. Notably, 11 of these projects are in Ladakh, the epicenter of the current border standoff with China. The BRO has utilized state-of-the-art technology to complete these projects in record time, often within a single working season, despite challenging terrain and weather conditions.
This year's inaugurated projects also include the Sela tunnel, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. This crucial tunnel, constructed at a cost of ₹825 crore, significantly enhances military access and logistical support in the strategically vital Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
While acknowledging China's existing edge in border infrastructure, officials emphasize that India is rapidly closing the gap through accelerated project execution, increased investment, and the adoption of advanced technology. This infrastructure development not only supports military operations but also improves connectivity for civilians residing in border regions.
India remains vigilant about China's infrastructure advancements along the border, which include new airbases, missile sites, and reinforced bunkers. Satellite imagery confirms this ongoing development.
Despite ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions through multiple rounds of military talks, the situation along the LAC remains sensitive. While disengagement has occurred at some friction points, issues at Depsang and Demchok remain unresolved, with both India and China maintaining a significant military presence in the region.
