NewsGate Press Network

In one of the most unique inaugurations of its kind, 90 different Border Road Organisation’s projects were formally inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday the 12th of September 2023.

The function was held in Jammu and projects that were inaugurated included among others two airfields in West Bengal and Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

Of these 90 projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh; 26 in Ladakh; 11 in Jammu & Kashmir; five in Mizoram; three in Himachal Pradesh; two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand & West Bengal and one each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In all two helipads,  22 roads and 63 bridges worth Rs 2,900 crores were inaugurated.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the BRO had completed the construction of these strategically-important projects in record time most of them in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology.

Following are some of the key projects that were inaugurated by Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.

Devak Bridge

The event was organised at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road, which was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh. The state-of-the-art 422.9 meter long Class 70 RCC Devak bridge is of strategic importance as it will enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and boost socio-economic development of the region.

Nechiphu Tunnel

This strategic tunnel in Tawang area in Arunachal Pradesh is about 500-metre long on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road. Read along with the under construction Sela Tunnel this construction will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region and will benefit the Armed Forces deployed in the region and the tourists visiting Tawang area. It may be recalled that  Rajnath Singh had laid the foundation stone of the tunnel in October 2020.

Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields

The revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields in West Bengal were also dedicated to the nation. These airfields, reconstructed at a cost of over Rs 500 crore, will not only bolster the preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF), but also facilitate commercial flight operations in the region.

Nyoma Airfield

The Defence Minister also virtually laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh. This airfield, to be developed at a cost of approx. Rs 200 crore, will boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment IAF capabilities. This airfield is located at one of the highest positions in the LAC and is going to be a game-changer for the Armed Forces.

The Defence Minister also expressed hope the BRO will soon set another unique record with the construction of Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet.

The tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh and provide all weather connectivity, he said, commending the BRO for developing infrastructure in border areas and making an invaluable contribution to the security of the nation.