J&K: Rajnath Singh e-inaugurates six strategic bridges built by BRO

New Delhi: Adding a new chapter in the connectivity of roads and bridges in sensitive border areas close to the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated six strategic bridges in J&K via video conferencing from New Delhi on Thursday. These six major bridges of strategic importance have been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in record time. Singh congratulated all ranks of BRO for completing the works of six bridges in record time and complimented them for contributing towards nation building by working in the most difficult terrain and weather conditions.

'Committed to improving border infrastructure'

"Continued construction of roads and bridges in the border areas of the country with total commitment by BRO would help in realisation of the efforts of the Government to reach the remotest areas. Roads are the lifeline of any nation." Singh said complementing BRO. He acknowledged that over the last two years, with the use of latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment the BRO has done cutting of over 2,200 kilometres about 4,200 kilometres of roads surfacing and about 5,800 metres of permanent bridges have been constructed.

"I am sure that the construction of modern roads and bridges will bring prosperity to the region. Our government is committed to promoting infrastructure on our borders and necessary resources will be provided for this" thanking the people of J&K for their cooperation Singh said. "Our government has a keen interest in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Keeping in mind the need of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Armed Forces, many other development works are also in the pipeline, which will be announced in due time. About 1,000 kilometre long roads are currently under construction in Jammu region." he added.

Strategically important bridges

The two bridges on the Tarnah Nallah in Kathua District and four bridges located on Akhnoor-Pallanwala road in Akhnoor/Jammu district have spans ranging from 30 to 300 metres and were constructed at a total cost of Rs 43 crores. These bridges constructed by Project Sampark of the BRO will facilitate the movement of Armed Forces in this strategically important sector and will also contribute towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas.

BRO on a surge

It's evident from the fact that BRO has executed about 30 percent more works in the FY'20 as compared to the last year that the border infrastructure is rapidly being improved. This has happened because of adequate budgetary support from the Government and due to the effect of structural reforms and focussed/dedicated efforts by the BRO.

The annual budget of the BRO that varied from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 4,600 crore in the FY 2008-2016, saw a substantial rise to Rs 8,050 crore in FY 2019-2020. With the focus of the Government in improving infrastructure in border areas, the budget for FY 2020-2021 is likely to be Rs 11,800 crore. This will give a major boost to ongoing projects and will expedite the construction of strategic roads, bridges and tunnels along our northern borders.

The two bridges on the Tarnah Nallah in Kathua District and four bridges located on Akhnoor-Pallanwala road in Akhnoor/Jammu district have spans ranging from 30 to 300 metres and were constructed at a total cost of Rs 43 crores

During the inauguration, Dr Jitendra Singh was present along with CoAS General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Director General of BRO Lt Gen Harpal Singh, and other senior Army and Civil Administration officials.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)