Leh, December 7 — In a landmark moment for India’s border infrastructure, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today dedicated 125 strategically vital Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects to the nation, the largest-ever simultaneous inauguration in the organisation’s history. The ceremony, held from Ladakh, showcased India’s rapid strides in strengthening connectivity across some of the most challenging terrains.
The projects, spread across the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and seven states including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram, comprise 28 roads, 93 bridges and four other infrastructure works. Valued at nearly ₹5,000 crore, this marks the highest project-worth ever inaugurated by BRO at one time.
Welcoming the development, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta hailed the inauguration as a historic milestone, emphasizing that 41 of the newly completed projects fall within Ladakh. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their consistent efforts to accelerate growth and enhance border infrastructure in the region.
The LG praised the Defence Minister’s leadership in strengthening border preparedness, troop welfare and the morale of India’s Armed Forces. He said the projects will transform remote connectivity, spur economic activity and ensure year-round access to villages and military outposts that previously remained cut off for months.
Highlighting BRO’s accomplishments in some of the world’s harshest conditions, the Lt Governor cited several landmark achievements: the Cut & Cover Tunnel on the Durbuk–Shyok–DBO Road, ensuring all-weather access; the world’s highest multi-span Saser Brangsa Bridge; the Nimoo–Padum–Darcha Road, providing Ladakh its third and shortest route; and the high-altitude Mudh–Nyoma Airfield, now operational as a strategic asset.
He also noted that BRO’s road network has helped boost tourism in areas such as Pangong, Chushul and Tso Moriri, with improved routes like Mahe–Chushul and Mahe–Debring opening new avenues for adventure and eco-tourism. Calling Ladakh a symbol of India’s natural beauty, cultural purity and patriotic pride, he encouraged citizens nationwide to visit the region and experience its unique heritage.
Reflecting on recent security efforts, the LG said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and national interests. He extended deep appreciation to DGBR Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan and the entire BRO workforce for their dedication and nation-first spirit.
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen Srinivasan thanked the Defence Minister for his vision and the government for policies that have enabled BRO to expand its operational reach and capabilities.
The ceremony was attended physically and virtually by Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor Gen. (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, J&K Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma, Union Ministers Dr Jitendra Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, senior Army commanders and top officials of Ladakh administration and BRO.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in India’s push to fortify border areas, enhance mobility for the Armed Forces and uplift the lives of residents in some of the country’s most remote regions.
