In this picture released on Dec. 7, 2025, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addresses a gathering during an event on the Border Roads Organization infrastructure projects. | Photo Credit: X/@DefenceMinIndia via PTI
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 newly completed projects of the Border Roads Organization to the nation from Leh on Sunday (December 7, 2025), terming them as a “living example” of the government’s commitment to strengthen India’s border infrastructure.
These strategically important projects – built at a cost of ₹ 5,000 crore and spread across the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and seven states including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram – consisted of 28 roads and four different bridges. 93 bridges.
The event marked the biggest one-day and most valuable inauguration in the history of the Border Communications Organization (BRO).
Ladakh Lieutenant General Kavinder Gupta received the Defense Minister on his arrival in Leh and joined him at the inaugural event.
“The courage and bravery of our soldiers are an inspiration in themselves. These infrastructure projects are the nation’s tribute to those heroes who laid down their lives in the service of the nation,” the defense minister said.
According to him, border roads are the “lifeline of national security” and improved connectivity has a direct impact on operational readiness.
“Improved road networks, real-time communication systems and satellite tracking now enable Indian troops to operate in forward areas faster and more accurately,” he said.
Mr. Singh praised the BRO for consistently completing projects ahead of schedule and adopting new technologies in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
He emphasized that stronger border connectivity not only enhances security, but also stabilizes local economies, improves disaster response – as seen during the rescue operations following the Jammu and Kashmir Chasoți cloudburst – and strengthens people’s faith in governance in remote regions.
“Our armed forces, BRO personnel and citizens of border areas together form the collective shield of national security,” Mr. Singh said, insisting that their bond must continue to grow.
The Defense Minister emphasized that the 920-meter Shyok Tunnel, built along the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi road in Ladakh, is an engineering marvel that will provide an all-weather link to one of the toughest military terrains in the world.
The tunnel, he said, will greatly increase mobility, logistics delivery and rapid deployment capability, especially during harsh winters marked by heavy snow and avalanches.
“Our brave soldiers in the armed forces and all the BRO staff are working round the clock for the country. The spirit that you have to work in any weather, in any situation is the reason why our country keeps reaching new heights,” he said.
Mr. Singh said the completion of 125 projects in record time is a testament to the determination of a developed India and a clear example of the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthen border infrastructure.
The newly launched projects will enhance the mobility of the armed forces, ensure smooth delivery of logistics, boost tourism, create employment opportunities and increase economic activities, the defense minister said.
Most importantly, such projects strengthen people’s faith in development, government, system and democracy, he added.
Published – 07 Dec 2025 18:10 IST
