Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday inaugurated 28 vital projects, mostly along the border with China, from a strategic bridge in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed these projects at a cost of Rs 724 crore, including 12 in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three each in Sikkim, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, and two in Rajasthan.
Mr. Singh unveiled these projects from the 100 metres-long Siyom bridge on the Along-Yingkiong Road over the Siyom river in Siang district. For troops to reach the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the centre of Arunachal Pradesh, namely the Tuting subdivision bordering China, they must cross this class 70 steel arch superstructure bridge.
These areas were once connected by a Bailey suspension bridge across the Siyom river. In June 2021, a flash flood washed it away, resulting in the deaths of three people and the disruption of communication to the border regions.
Among the other projects is a bridge across the Oyong river in Kurung Kumey district connecting Huri village, one of the remotest villages in India along the LAC.
Underlining India’s efforts to develop the border areas, Mr. Singh said India has neither started a war against any country nor grabbed an inch of land from any country. He said “But we should never be taken for granted. Our troops are capable of facing any challenges along the borders.”
He lauded the BRO’s commitment to establishing connectivity in far-flung areas by ensuring timely completion of these roads and bridges. “Along with these 28, the BRO dedicated to the nation a record 103 infrastructure projects completed in 2022,” Mr. Singh said.