Leh, December 7, 2025 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday dedicated 125 newly completed Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects to the nation from Leh, describing them as a powerful symbol of the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s border infrastructure and national security.
Constructed at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, the projects include 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four miscellaneous infrastructure works, spread across the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and seven strategic states — Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram. The event marked the largest single-day and highest-value inauguration in BRO’s history.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta received the Defence Minister on his arrival and joined him at the inauguration ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers continue to inspire the nation.
“These infrastructure projects are the nation’s tribute to our brave heroes who laid down their lives in service of the country,” he said.
Describing border roads as the “lifelines of national security,” the Defence Minister stressed that improved connectivity has a direct impact on operational preparedness.
“Enhanced road networks, real-time communication systems and satellite-based surveillance now allow our forces to operate with greater speed and precision in forward areas,” he said.
Singh praised BRO personnel for delivering projects ahead of schedule and for adopting modern technologies under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also highlighted the role of border connectivity in boosting local economies, strengthening disaster response — including during recent cloudburst rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chasoti area — and reinforcing public trust in governance in remote regions.
“Our armed forces, BRO personnel and citizens of border areas together form a collective shield of national security,” Singh said, calling for continued unity and cooperation.
A key highlight of the inauguration was the 920-metre-long Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Road in Ladakh, which the Defence Minister termed an engineering marvel. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to one of the most challenging military terrains in the world, significantly improving mobility, logistics supply and rapid troop deployment, especially during harsh winters and heavy snowfall.
“Our soldiers and BRO workers operate in the toughest weather and terrain. Their dedication is the reason India is continuously touching new heights,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister stated that the timely completion of 125 projects reflects the government’s firm resolve towards a developed and secure India. These projects will enhance military mobility, ensure uninterrupted logistics, boost tourism, generate employment and increase economic activity in border regions.
“Most importantly, such development strengthens people’s faith in the system, governance, democracy and the nation,” Singh added.
