NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, DEC 7
The Defence Minister on December 7 dedicated 125 strategic border infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation — the largest number ever inaugurated in a single phase — during a ceremony held at the Shyok Tunnel site in Ladakh. The projects, spread across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram, include 28 roads, 93 bridges and 4 miscellaneous assets, completed at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, marking the highest-value completion in BRO’s history.
#125BROInfrastructureForNation#BROForTheNation
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today inaugurated 125 strategic infrastructure projects @BROindia from Leh including the iconic 920m Cut & Cover Shyok Tunnel (12,523 ft) on the strategic road in Ladakh.
These include 28… pic.twitter.com/km5A0nELeI
— 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@BROindia) December 7, 2025
The newly completed infrastructure will dramatically enhance last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military locations, strengthening mobility, logistics preparedness and socio-economic access in high-altitude regions.
- ₹5,000-crore push delivers 28 roads, 93 bridges and 4 key assets across 2 UTs and 7 states
- Shyok Tunnel inaugurated on DS-DBO Road to boost all-weather mobility in Ladakh’s toughest terrain
- Infra surge reflects govt’s Viksit Bharat vision; connectivity cited as backbone of security, economy & disaster response
- Defence Minister says Operation Sindoor succeeded due to strong border connectivity & ‘unique mutualism’ between forces, civil admin & border communities
The Defence Minister said the projects stand as “a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to keep strengthening border infrastructure in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Shyok Tunnel: A Lifeline in One of the World’s Harshest Terrains
Held on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie Road, the event spotlighted the inauguration of the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel, an engineering achievement in a zone prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches and extreme winter temperatures. The tunnel will ensure all-weather, reliable access to one of India’s most strategically sensitive corridors, improving rapid troop deployment and supply-chain resilience.
The Defence Minister also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial, honouring the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
‘Connectivity is Not Separate from Security — It Is Security’
Emphasising the strategic value of border development, the Defence Minister said:
“There are numerous benefits of robust infrastructure in border areas. It ensures military mobility, smooth transportation of logistics, increases tourism & employment opportunities and, most importantly, stronger faith in development, democracy & the government.”
He said India is strengthening its borders at a historic pace through roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centres and surveillance systems, reinforcing the idea that connectivity forms the backbone of national security.
The BRO was commended for completing complex, high-altitude projects with speed, efficiency and indigenous innovation, making it “a synonym of communication and connectivity.”
Operation Sindoor Showcased Power of Strong Border Connectivity
Referring to the major counter-terror operation, the Defence Minister said:
“Such a massive operation was possible due to our strong connectivity… logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. This connectivity with border areas made the operation a historic success.”
On the extraordinary coordination during the operation, he added:
“This coordination; this mutualism is our identity. This is what makes us unique in the world.”
Border Infra Directly Linked to India’s Economic Rise
With India’s GDP touching 8.2% in Q2 of 2025-26, the Defence Minister highlighted the role of connectivity and communication in strengthening both security and economic prosperity.
“Despite conflicts and global unrest, our economy continues to move forward,” he said.
BRO’s Humanitarian Role & Tech Innovation Applauded
The Defence Minister praised BRO for major rescue operations this year, including:
- 46 workers rescued during the Mana avalanche (Uttarakhand)
- 1,600 stranded tourists evacuated in North Sikkim
- 5,000 pilgrims evacuated during the Chasoti cloudburst (J&K)
He applauded the adoption of indigenously developed Class-70 modular bridges built in partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
“These modular bridges mark a significant milestone in India’s engineering self-reliance,” he said.
Record Budgets Show Govt’s Confidence in BRO
The BRO achieved a record expenditure of ₹16,690 crore in FY 2024-25, with a higher target of ₹18,700 crore for FY 2025-26, reflecting expanded responsibilities and rising national confidence in the organisation.
BRO Leadership Acknowledges Support
Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister and the government for policies that have empowered the BRO to undertake some of the nation’s most demanding strategic projects across rugged geography.
