Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 50-metre-long  Kungyam bridge constructed by Border Road Organisation on the Leh-Loma road in Ladakh on June 28.

The single-span steel superstructure bridge, which replaces an existing bailey bridge, will ensure unhindered movement of heavy weapon systems, including guns, tanks and other specialised equipment. The Leh-Loma Road, which connects Leh with places such as Chumathang, Hanley and Tsomo riri lake, is vital for access to forward areas in Eastern Ladakh.

Rajnath Singh lauded BRO’s commitment towards establishing connectivity to far-flung areas, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that some of these bridges will become a lifeline for many villages located in remote inaccessible areas. Underlining the importance of connectivity especially in border areas for the development of a nation, he reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to ensure infrastructure development in far-flung border areas.

On the Government’s decision to bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as two separate UTs, Defence Minister stated that the strong and visionary steps have bolstered national unity, led to a major reduction in terrorist activities sponsored from outside and opened new avenues for the socio-economic development of the people.

Talking about the development of Ladakh, Rajnath Singh said several welfare schemes are being implemented, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, that shows the Government’s resolve towards the welfare of the region.

Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army for displaying exemplary courage during the Galwan Valley incident in 2020 and paid tributes to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He called for dialogue with neighbouring countries to resolve disputes, maintaining that "India is a peace-loving nation which does not believe in aggression, however, if provoked, we will give a befitting reply", he stated.

He further highlighted the reforms undertaken by the Government to strengthen the security at the borders, increase jointness among the Armed Forces and make them self-reliant.

DG, Border Roads, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary stated that the projects were completed despite the limited working window and COVID-19 pandemic. He said these bridges will assist in the speedy mobilisation of the Armed Forces in strategically important sectors, further bolstering the security environment, as also contribute significantly towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas. He reiterated BRO’s resolve in continuing to serve the nation despite challenges.

Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 62 more bridges – 11 in Ladakh, four in Jammu & Kashmir, three in Himachal Pradesh, six in Uttarakhand, eight in Sikkim, one each in Nagaland and Manipur and 29 in Arunachal Pradesh. The combined cost of the projects is Rs 240 crores which will boost connectivity in the border areas.

Defence Minister stated that the inauguration of 63 bridges is an important step that will play a crucial role in strengthening security as well as promoting the economic development of the respective states through improved connectivity.

With the inauguration of 63 bridges in one go, BRO has surpassed its record of 44 bridges launched in 2020. These 63 bridges, combined with 12 roads dedicated to the nation by Rajnath Singh on June 17, 2021, form a bouquet of 75 infrastructure projects completed by BRO when the nation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its Independence.