LEH: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Sunday dedicated to the nation 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – the most to have ever been inaugurated simultaneously – from Ladakh.
Spread across 2 Union Territories – Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir – and 7 States – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal & Mizoram, these projects – 28 Roads, 93 Bridges and 04 Miscellaneous – have been completed at a cost of approx. Rs 5,000 crore, the highest-value inaugurations in the BRO’s history.
These upgraded infrastructure projects will significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military locations, bringing these areas closer to the national mainstream.
Speaking on the occasion, Kavinder Gupta, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, today lauded the nationwide inauguration of 125 major infrastructure projects, including 41 projects completed in Ladakh, calling it a historic milestone in the region’s development. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Defence Minister for prioritising the rapid and balanced growth of Ladakh.
The Lt Governor praised the Defence Minister’s leadership, noting his pivotal role in strengthening border infrastructure, enhancing troop welfare, and boosting the morale of India’s security forces. He said the new projects will significantly improve connectivity, accelerate economic activity, and ensure reliable access to border areas that were earlier cut off for months.
Acknowledging the Border Roads Organisation’s exceptional work in extreme conditions, the LG highlighted key achievements, including the Cut & Cover Tunnel on the Durbuk-Shyok-DBO Road, ensuring all-weather connectivity; the world’s highest multi-span Saser Brangsa Bridge; the Nimoo-Padum-Darcha Road, offering Ladakh its third and shortest route; and the operationalisation of the high-altitude Mudh-Nyoma Airfield, a strategic asset for national security. He noted that BRO’s projects have also boosted tourism, with routes such as Mahe-Chushul and Mahe-Debring improving access to Pangong, Chushul, and Tso Moriri, thereby supporting adventure and eco-tourism.
Calling Ladakh a symbol of India’s spirit and beauty, the LG urged citizens across the country to visit Ladakh at least once to experience its natural grandeur, cultural purity, and inspiring border heritage-now more accessible than ever due to BRO’s network of world-class roads.
The Lt Governor praised the courage displayed during Operation Sindoor, stating that the operation reaffirmed India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and national interests. He expressed deep appreciation for Director General (DG) BRO Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan and the entire BRO workforce for their commitment and nation-first spirit, and conveyed Ladakh’s gratitude to the Government of India, Ministry of Defence, and BRO.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan expressed gratitude to Raksha Mantri for his visionary leadership and to the Government for its progressive policies and enhanced support, which have enabled BRO to expand its operational capabilities.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, J&K Lt Gov Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS Prime Minister’s Office, PP/ DoPT, Atomic Energy, Space Dr Jitendra Singh; Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma; General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla; Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, and other senior officials and BRO personnel attended the event physically and virtually.
