India Strengthens Border Infra: 75 Projects Worth 2,236 Crore Launched Across 11 States

In a significant boost to India’s border infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 75 transformative projects developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Monday.

Valued at Rs 2,236 crore, these projects span 11 states and union territories, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and security in strategically important regions.

Among the inaugurated projects are 22 roads and 51 bridges, which are critical for both military and civilian purposes. Notably, 19 projects are located in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, and nine in Uttarakhand.

The infrastructure expansion also includes six projects in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, and two each in West Bengal and Rajasthan. Further extending the strategic reach, one project each is situated in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The inauguration of these 75 projects comes as part of a broader push by the BRO to strengthen infrastructure in remote and border areas. In 2024 alone, BRO has completed 111 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,751 crore, including the prestigious Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. In comparison, 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore were completed by the BRO in 2023.

The significance of these projects extends beyond their immediate logistical benefits. For regions like Arunachal Pradesh, which saw the completion of three major roads, 14 bridges, and a helipad under the BRO’s Project Brahmank, the development is expected to enhance national security, boost surface and air connectivity, and promote tourism.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik, emphasised the strategic importance of these initiatives, noting that they not only bolster national defense but also support socio-economic growth in the region, reports The Hindu.

Governor Parnaik highlighted how these projects would align with both the Vibrant Border Village programme and Arunachal Pradesh’s ‘Seva Aapke Dwar’ initiative, bringing governance directly to border communities. With improved connectivity, these border areas are likely to see greater development opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for local residents while reinforcing India’s presence in these strategically vital locations.