New Delhi. Heralding in a new era in the connectivity of roads and bridges in sensitive areas close to the western, northern and north-eastern borders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 12 through video conference dedicated 44 major permanent bridges to the nation that would meet the transport and logistics requirements of the armed forces throughout the year, and laid the foundation stone for the 450-metre all-weather Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
Union Minister for Defence, Mr Rajnath Singh dedicates 44 bridges built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across seven States and Union Territories to the nation and laid the foundation stone for Nechiphu Tunnel on the road to Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh, through Video Conference, in New Delhi on October 12, 2020. Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the Defence Secretary, Dr. Ajay Kumar and the Director General, Border Roads, Lt. General Harpal Singh are also seen.
He noted that despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country was not only resolutely facing them but also bringing about historical changes in all sectors of development under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The bridges, spread over seven states and union territories, are of strategic importance and provide connectivity to remote areas. The two-lane Nechiphu tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity across Nechiphu Pass, besides providing a safe and secure passage through accident prone areas.
In his address, Rajnath Singh congratulated the DG and all ranks of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their achievements and said that dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record, particularly in the challenging times of COVID-19.
Lauding the BRO for its role in improving the border infrastructure, he these bridges improved connectivity in the far flung areas and fulfilled the aspirations of the local people.
Noting that roads and bridges are the lifeline of any nation and play a vital role in the socio-economic development of far flung regions, Rajnath Singh reiterated the central government’s commitment to boost development activities in border areas and said that progress of all projects is regularly being monitored and adequate funds are being provided for their timely execution.
He said that the annual budget of BRO that varied from Rs. 3,300 crores ($4 million) to Rs. 4,600 crores ($6.2 million) in the years 2008-2016, saw a substantial rise and is pegged at over Rs. 11,000 crores ($1.5 billion) in 2020-21. There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19.
He also announced that the government has sanctioned high-altitude clothing to BRO engineers and workers.
Briefing the dignitaries, Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh, DG BRO, said the 44 bridges of various spans ranging from 30 metres to 484 metres, are located in Jammu and Kashmir (10), Ladakh (8), Himachal Pradesh (2), Punjab (4), Uttarakhand (8), Arunachal Pradesh (8) and Sikkim (4).
“They are of strategic importance and have been designed to facilitate movement of heavy civil and military traffic in border areas. In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these bridges will contribute towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas and will also assist in speedy deployment of armed forces in strategically important sectors,” he said.
Images of some of the 44 bridges dedicated to the nation on October 12 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The specific locations of the bridges have not been indicated.
In addition to expediting road construction, the BRO has laid special emphasis on construction of bridges by completing 28 major bridges last year while 102 major bridges are being completed this year, 54 of which have already been completed. Over 60 Bailey Bridges have also been constructed by BRO to meet the immediate requirements of the armed forces and people living in remote areas.
BRO has worked relentlessly even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continuing with works of strategic importance like construction of major bridges and roads, Atal Tunnel at Rohtang, and Sela Tunnel, among others, and snow clearance for opening of strategic mountain passes.
In spite of unprecedented snowfall breaking a 60 years record, all strategic passes and roads were cleared for traffic about one month before their average yearly opening dates. This brought relief to people of border areas and ensured rapid and early movement of troops and logistics.
The dedication ceremony was conducted in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Bipin Rawat; Chief of Army Staff, Gen. M.M. Naravane and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar at New Delhi. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, the Lt. Governor of J&K, with members of parliament, civil /military dignitaries along with members of the public at various sites in respective states and union territories.
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