New Delhi: Defence MinisterRajnath Singh virtually inaugurated and dedicated 75 road and bridge projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across 11 border states and union territories, at a cost of Rs 2,236 crore. The projects, aimed at enhancing infrastructure in far-flung areas, include 7 roads and 12 bridges in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), totaling Rs 731.22 crore.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from J&K, joined the virtual event, which highlighted the BRO’s Project Sampark and Project Beacon. The J&K road projects include key developments such as:
- Bishnah-Kaulpur-Khojipur Road (24.3 km) at a cost of Rs 73.26 crore
- Basoli-Bani-Bhaderwah Road (Km 70 to 102) with a combined investment of Rs 179.18 crore
- Galhar-Sansari Road (10 km) costing Rs 37.69 crore
- Bandipur-Gureizin Road for Rs 230.54 crore
- Mohura-Baaz Road worth Rs 134.99 crore
- Tutmarigali-Kaiyan Bowl Road at Rs 24.35 crore
Additionally, 12 bridges have been constructed across J&K at a cost of Rs 51.21 crore, improving connectivity in regions like Sawan, Sanu, Naigarh, Channani, and Sewa-II.
The BRO’s infrastructure push extends beyond J&K, with projects also completed in areas such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In total, the ceremony marked the inauguration of 22 roads, 51 bridges, and 2 miscellaneous projects in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh lauded BRO’s commitment to connecting remote areas under difficult conditions, including high-altitude regions with extreme weather and inhospitable terrain. The Defence Minister noted that in the past five years, BRO has completed 450 infrastructure projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore, adding that the completion of 75 new projects in 2024 brings the total to a record-breaking 111 projects dedicated to the nation this year.
Rajnath Singh commended BRO’s efforts in constructing over 40% of roads in high-altitude areas, overcoming the challenges of harsh weather, low oxygen levels, and extreme cold. He emphasized that BRO’s work plays a crucial role in national security by connecting remote locations and facilitating economic growth in border areas.