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Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a series of crucial infrastructure projects, totaling Rs. 670 crore, executed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at the Joshimath-Malari Road in Uttarakhand. In his address, Singh underscored the significance of linking remote areas to the national grid for improved accessibility.
The 35 projects comprise 29 bridges and six roads, strategically distributed across regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh. Notably, the Dhak Bridge, a 93-meter-long Class 70R structure over Dhak Nalla, was inaugurated for its strategic importance in enhancing connectivity to border areas and fostering socio-economic development.
The inauguration ceremony primarily took place at the Dhak Bridge, with the remaining 34 projects inaugurated virtually. Minister Singh highlighted the pivotal role of mountain infrastructure development in ensuring safety, especially in the aftermath of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse. Ongoing projects, like the Silkyara Bendno–Barkot tunnel, aim to further improve connectivity in remote regions.
Singh praised the recent Silkyara Tunnel operation in Uttarakhand, commending the collaborative efforts of various agencies and lauding the exceptional teamwork of the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) team during the crisis.
As a gesture towards the personnel involved, Rajnath Singh announced a "Risk and Hardship allowance" for permanent civilian BRO personnel, aligning it with the armed forces. He also increased the ex-gratia compensation for casual laborers and introduced a Rs 10 lakh insurance provision for Casual Paid Laborers (CPLs) to boost morale.
Discussing the central government's initiatives, Singh emphasized that border regions are integral parts of the nation, not just buffer zones. He stressed the importance of roads, bridges, and tunnels as essential infrastructures to promote connectivity and unity among citizens.
News by Rahul Yelligetti
