Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 major BRO projects to the nation from Leh, highlighting their role in boosting border security, military movement, local growth and all-weather connectivity in remote regions

Leh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday dedicated 125 newly completed projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation from Leh, describing them as a strong symbol of the government’s focus on strengthening border infrastructure. Built at a cost of about Rs 5,000 crore, the projects are spread across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and seven states including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.

The projects include 28 roads, 93 bridges and four other key works. This marked the largest single-day and highest-value inauguration in the history of the BRO. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta welcomed the defence minister on his arrival and joined him at the dedication ceremony.

Rajnath Singh said the bravery of Indian soldiers inspires the nation and these projects serve as a tribute to their service and sacrifice. He called border roads the lifelines of national security and said better connectivity directly improves operational readiness. He noted that modern road networks, real-time communication and satellite surveillance now allow troops to move faster and operate more effectively in forward areas.

Praising the BRO for completing projects ahead of schedule and using modern technology, he linked its work to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said stronger border connectivity also boosts local economies, improves disaster response and builds public faith in governance in remote areas.

Singh highlighted the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh as a major engineering achievement that will ensure round-the-year access to difficult military terrain. The new projects, he said, will strengthen security, improve logistics, promote tourism, create jobs and increase overall economic activity in border regions.