New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday dedicated 75 infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worth Rs 2,236 crore to the nation in a virtual ceremony. The projects include 22 roads, 51 bridges and two others spread across 11 states/union territories.

These projects include 19 projects in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, nine in Uttarakhand, six in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, two each in Bengal and Rajasthan and one each in Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Defence Minister inaugurated the projects from the headquarters of the Tri Shakti Corps in Sukna, Bengal.

The inauguration of Kupup-Sherathang road in Sikkim is the most important

One of the highlights was the inauguration of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim. It will serve as a vital link between Jawaharlal Nehru Marg and Taluk Marg. In his address, the Defence Minister described these projects as a testimony to the government's unwavering resolve to strengthen border infrastructure and ensure socio-economic progress of these areas.

He said that these projects will prove to be a milestone in enhancing the country's defence preparedness. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of a developed India by 2047 can be realised only through such infrastructure projects.

111 infrastructure projects completed in 2024

With the inauguration of these 75 projects, the BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects at a total cost of Rs 3,751 crore in 2024. Last year, 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore were dedicated to the nation by the BRO.

Apart from this, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja at the headquarters of Army's Ek Corps in West Bengal on the occasion of Vijayadashami. He also wrote about it on Instagram, 'India has a long tradition of Shastra Puja on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Today I performed Shastra Puja at the headquarters of 33 Corps in Sukna, Darjeeling. 

Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said the ceremony was a "clear signal that if necessary, weapons and equipment will be used with full force."