New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh e-inaugurates 27 infra projects constructed by Border Roads Organization (BRO). “In today’s era, distance is not measured in kilometres, but in hours. BRO’s roads, tunnels and bridges have reduced the distance and time between places today,” he said during the event. The road built at an altitude of 19000 feet on the Umling-La pass in southern Ladakh, has now become the world’s highest motorable road. This road will not only facilitate faster dispatch of armed forces but also give a boost to tourism in the region.
In his address, the Defence Secretary commended the BRO for contributing immensely to the national building by constructing strategic infrastructure including roads, bridges, tunnels and airfields along with the border areas. He lauded the BRO for constructing 102 new roads and bridges connecting remote border areas to the mainland in a single working season, despite challenges posed by inhospitable terrain, inclement weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Ajay Kumar also praised the grit and determination of the BRO personnel for the construction of Umling La Pass, Atal Tunnel & Zojila Pass recently. He lauded the DGBR and all officers & personnel for conducting the breakthrough blast of the Sela Tunnel and speeding up the construction of Nechiphu Tunnel, both parts of Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh. He said the BRO is contributing towards realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The Defence Secretary commended the BRO for their efforts to increase the participation of women and appoint them as Officers Commanding of road construction companies along with the border areas. He appreciated the creation of an all-women road construction company and women being employed as Casual Paid Labours.
Urging the BRO to carry forward their vision, Dr Ajay Kumar suggested they expedite the work towards sharing their expertise of construction on high-altitude areas with friendly foreign countries. He called upon them to use the International Seminar, being planned on the sidelines of DefExpo-2022, to showcase their capabilities to the international audience. On the occasion, he unveiled a fitness manual ‘Fit BRO Fit India’ for its personnel. The book contains fitness guidelines and protocols prepared for the holistic development of the body and mind of all ranks and families of BRO.