Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 12 Strategic Roads Built By BRO In Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh And J&K

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 12 roads, built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the Northern and Eastern border areas on Thursday (17 June).

Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju were among the dignitaries who attended the event.

At an event organised in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, the Defence Minister e-inaugurated a 20-km long double lane Kimin-Potin road and nine other roads in Arunachal Pradesh and one each in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

"The roads have been constructed under 'Arunank', 'Vartak', 'Brahmank', 'Udayak', 'Himank' and 'Sampark' projects of BRO," the Ministry of Defence said.

Speaking on occasion, Rajnath Singh lauded BRO for its contribution to infrastructure development of remote border areas of the country, especially amid the COVID-19 restrictions.

He said the roads inaugurated on occasion hold strategic and socio-economic importance as they will play an essential role in strengthening national security and promoting the development of the North-East region.

"These roads will be helpful in fulfilling the needs of our Armed Forces and transporting necessities like medicines and ration to remote areas," he said.

The minister added that these road projects are part of the Act East Policy of the Government, wherein particular emphasis is being laid on the overall development of the border areas.

Rajnath Singh touched upon some of the significant reforms undertaken by the Government, including the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff, measures to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing and Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). He said these reforms prove to be a game-changer in military preparedness in the rapidly changing times.