Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on December 7, 2025, dedicated to the nation 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) - the most to have ever been inaugurated simultaneously - from Ladakh. Spread across 2 Union Territories - Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir - and 7 States - Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal & Mizoram, these projects - 28 Roads, 93 Bridges and 4 Miscellaneous - have been completed at a cost of approximately ₹5,000 crore, the highest-value inaugurations in the BRO's history.

These upgraded infrastructure projects will significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military locations, bringing these areas closer to the national mainstream. Defence Minister, in his address, described the projects as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's unwavering commitment to keep strengthening the border infrastructure in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The strategic Shyok Tunnel on Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road in Ladakh among the projects inaugurated to significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages & forward military locations

The event was organised on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road at the Shyok Tunnel, which is among the key projects inaugurated by Rajnath Singh. This engineering marvel, built in one of the world's toughest and most challenging terrain, will ensure all-weather, reliable connectivity to this strategic area, he said, adding that this 920-metre Cut and Cover tunnel will significantly enhance security, mobility, and rapid deployment capabilities, especially during harsh winters, as the region is prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme temperatures.

Defence Minister also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh to honour the unmatched bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the Armed Forces personnel.

Defence Minister voiced the Government's resolve of developing the border areas, stating that these connectivity tools are lifelines for security, economy, and disaster management. "There are numerous benefits of robust infrastructure in border areas. It ensures military mobility, smooth transportation of logistics, increase in tourism & employment opportunities and, most importantly, stronger faith in development, democracy & the government," he said.

Rajnath Singh emphasised that the speed with which India is strengthening its borde₹with roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centers & surveillance systems is proof that connectivity is a backbone of security, and not a separate entity. He commended the BRO for significantly accelerating national development by completing complex projects with speed & efficiency, and through indigenous solutions. The BRO has emerged as a synonym of 'Communication' and 'Connectivity', he said, underlining the Government's endeavor to bolster these two important facets of development in border areas. "Our Government, Armed Forces, and organisations like the BRO are working diligently for the holistic development of our border areas. We must continue strengthening the bond between the border regions and national mainstream so that the relationship is not influenced by any external factors," he said.

These projects are testimony to the Govt's unwavering commitment to keep strengthening border infrastructure in line with Viksit Bharat vision: Defence Minister

On Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister said: "Our Armed Forces launched the operation in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Everybody knows what befell on those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, only did only what was necessary. Such a massive operation was possible due to our strong connectivity. Logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. Our connectivity with the border areas was maintained, making the operation a historic success."

Rajnath Singh dubbed the coordination between the Armed Forces and the civil administration, along with the people of border areas, during the operation as incredible. "This coordination; this mutualism is our identity. This is what makes us unique in the world," he said, expressing gratitude to the residents of border areas for their support to our Armed Forces.

Referring to India's GDP growth which has reached 8.2% in the second quarter of 2025-26, Defence Minister stated that connectivity and communication play a significant role in not just security, but economic prosperity as well. "This growth is the result of the Government's pro-growth policies and reforms, as well as the hard work of every Indian. We're witnessing many wars and conflicts today. Post Operation Sindoor, we also witnessed a major conflict. But despite these challenges, our economy continues to grow, we continue to move forward," he said.

On Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister said: "Our Armed Forces launched the operation in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Everybody knows what befell on those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, only did only what was necessary. Such a massive operation was possible due to our strong connectivity. Logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. Our connectivity with the border areas was maintained, making the operation a historic success."

"Operation Sindoor's historic success was possible due to strong connectivity and seamless coordination among the Armed Forces, civil administration & the people of border areas"

Rajnath Singh dubbed the coordination between the Armed Forces and the civil administration, along with the people of border areas, during the operation as incredible. "This coordination; this mutualism is our identity. This is what makes us unique in the world," he said, expressing gratitude to the residents of border areas for their support to our Armed Forces.

Referring to India's GDP growth which has reached 8.2% in the second quarter of 2025-26, Defence Minister stated that connectivity and communication play a significant role in not just security, but economic prosperity as well. "This growth is the result of the Government's pro-growth policies and reforms, as well as the hard work of every Indian. We're witnessing many wars and conflicts today. Post Operation Sindoor, we also witnessed a major conflict. But despite these challenges, our economy continues to grow, we continue to move forward," he said.

Rajnath Singh also pointed out that, in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, BRO incurred a record expenditure of ₹16,690 crore, the highest ever, and a target of ₹18,700 crore has been set for FY 2025-26 which, he said, underlines the Government's confidence in BRO's capabilities. He reiterated the commitment to make the nation Atmanirbhar in defence manufacturing, stressing on the fact that India, which was once dependent on imports, is today witnessing a paradigm shift. "There was a time when we lacked a solid system to manufacture arms and equipment in India. We were an import-dependent country in the defence sector. But due to our hard work in the last 10 years, our defence production, which was approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014, has now grown to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore. Our defence exports, which were less than ₹1,000 crore ten years ago, have now reached nearly ₹24,000 crore," he said.

"This mutualism is India's identity that makes us unique in the world"

Speaking on the occasion, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt General Raghu Srinivasan expressed gratitude to Defence Minister for his visionary leadership and to the Government for its progressive policies and enhanced support, which have enabled BRO to expand its operational capabilities. He highlighted that the BRO has emerged as the agency of choice for key central ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for executing critical infrastructure projects in the country's most challenging and strategically significant terrains.

The DGBR acknowledged the invaluable contribution of all the BRO personnel whose dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts have been the backbone of the organisation's growing strength & achievements.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS Prime Minister's Office, PP/ DoPT, Atomic Energy, Space Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps Lt General Hitesh Bhalla, other senior officials and BRO personnel attended the event.

Background

In the last two years, a total of 356 BRO infrastructure projects have been dedicated to the nation, marking a benchmark achievement in the field of strategic infrastructure development. The execution of these projects in such diverse and challenging regions highlights BRO's unmatched capability to operate in high-altitude, snowbound, desert, flood-prone and dense forest terrains. The Government has enhanced the BRO budget from ₹6,500 crore to ₹7,146 crore in Union Budget 2025-26 in recognition of its critical role in national security and development.