NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JUNE 28
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday dedicated to the nation 63 bridges built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in six states and two union territories in sync with the government’s focus on enhancing border infrastructure.
RM Shri @rajnathsingh dedicated to nation 63 bridges built by @BROindia in 6 States & 2 UTs at Kyungam, Leh.
Lt Gov Ladakh RK Mathur, MP Jamyang Namgyal, GOC-in-C @NorthernComd_IA & DG BRO were present
RM lauded BRO’s commitment for establishing connectivity to far-flung areas pic.twitter.com/McBZlZCIRL
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) June 28, 2021
Singh, on a three-day visit to Ladakh, inaugurated the bridges at an event held at Kyungam, 88 km from Leh.
The event was attended by Lt Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur, General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command Lt Gen YK Joshi, Director General of Border Roads Organisation Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry and other senior civil and military officials.
Chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim were among those who attended the event virtually.
Officials said the inauguration of a 50-metre-long bridge constructed on the Leh-Loma road in Ladakh was significant as it will help in the movement of troops and other military hardware.
“This single span steel superstructure bridge, which replaces an existing bailey bridge, will ensure unhindered movement of heavy weapon systems, including guns, tanks and other specialised equipment,” the defence ministry said.
The Leh-Loma Road that connects with places such as Chumathang, Hanley and Tso Morori Lake is vital for access to forward areas in eastern Ladakh.
On the Government’s decision to bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as two separate UTs, the Defence Minister stated that the strong and visionary steps have bolstered national unity, led to major reduction in terrorist activities sponsored from outside and opened new avenues for the socio-economic development of the people.
On the development of Ladakh, Rajnath Singh said a number of welfare schemes are being implemented, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, that shows the Government’s resolve towards the welfare of the region. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to start the democratic process in the region.
Lauding the Indian Army for displaying exemplary courage during the Galwan Valley incident in 2020, he paid tributes to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He called for dialogue with neighbouring countries to resolve disputes, maintaining that “India is a peace-loving nation which does not believe in aggression, however if provoked, we will give a befitting reply”. He assured the nation that the Armed Forces are fully prepared to deal with any situation. Rajnath Singh highlighted the reforms undertaken by the Government to strengthen the security at the borders, increase jointness among the Armed Forces and make them self-reliant. “We are moving fast towards building a safe, strong and prosperous nation in every way,” he said.
In his address, DG Border Roads stated that the projects were completed despite the limited working window and COVID-19 pandemic. He said these bridges will assist in speedy mobilisation of the Armed Forces in strategically important sectors, further bolstering the security environment, as also contribute significantly towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas. He reiterated BRO’s resolve in continuing to serve the nation despite challenges.
In addition, Singh virtually inaugurated 62 more bridges – 11 in Ladakh, four in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Himachal Pradesh, six in Uttarakhand, eight in Sikkim, one each in Nagaland and Manipur and 29 in Arunachal Pradesh.
