NEW DELHI, July 16, 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday underscored the critical importance of strategic infrastructure in modern warfare, asserting that roads, tunnels, ports, and airfields will remain just as vital as advanced weapons and cutting-edge military technologies in safeguarding India’s national security.
Addressing the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi, Singh said that while warfare is rapidly evolving with the induction of precision-guided weapons, artificial intelligence, and next-generation defence platforms, the ability to swiftly move troops, equipment, and logistics across challenging terrain will continue to determine military success.
“Even as state-of-the-art weapons and platforms are being inducted into the defence forces to address the challenges posed by the evolving nature of warfare, ports, airfields, roads and tunnels will continue to play an indispensable role in the future,” Rajnath Singh said.
Infrastructure: The First Line of Defence
Highlighting the strategic significance of border connectivity, the Defence Minister remarked that military preparedness begins long before soldiers reach the battlefield.
“Sometimes, the first front of a war is not at the border itself, but on the road that leads our soldiers to the frontline. Therefore, the person who builds that road is as vital a guardian of national security as the soldier who stands at the border,” he stated.
His remarks emphasized the indispensable role played by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in strengthening India’s defence capabilities through world-class infrastructure development.
BRO’s Transformation Into A Global Infrastructure Force
Praising the BRO’s remarkable journey over the last six and a half decades, Singh said the organisation has evolved from being a conventional road-building agency into one of the world’s most respected strategic infrastructure organisations.
He highlighted landmark engineering achievements, including the Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass, and the Sela Tunnel, describing them as living symbols of India’s engineering excellence and the unwavering commitment of BRO personnel working under some of the world’s toughest geographical and climatic conditions.
Technology Driving Future Infrastructure
The Defence Minister noted that the BRO has emerged as a pioneer in adopting advanced construction technologies, particularly modern tunnelling techniques that have transformed infrastructure development in both mountainous border regions and urban transport systems.
He also appreciated the organisation’s growing emphasis on innovation and digital transformation, stating that these initiatives will significantly strengthen national security while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Connectivity Key To National Development
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, Rajnath Singh said India has significantly expanded its road, rail, aviation, and digital infrastructure to ensure that even the remotest regions remain connected to the national mainstream.
He highlighted the success of the Vibrant Village Programme, under which border villages—once regarded as the country’s last villages—are now being developed as India’s first villages.
“A nation with robust infrastructure is the one with a bright future. The infrastructure we are building today will define our civilisation for the next one or two centuries,” he said.
Call For Collective Effort
The Defence Minister urged industry leaders, engineers, academic institutions, and administrators to collaborate in building a stronger infrastructure ecosystem capable of meeting future strategic and developmental challenges.
“Together, we must create an ecosystem that fosters excellence, where every stakeholder performs their role with utmost dedication,” he added.
BRO Embracing AI And Digital Transformation
Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Harpal Singh said strategic capability in the modern era is increasingly measured by how efficiently infrastructure is planned, executed, monitored, and maintained rather than merely by the number of assets created.
He revealed that the BRO is undergoing a comprehensive organisational transformation powered by artificial intelligence, digital planning, mechanisation, advanced construction methodologies, and institutional reforms, while strengthening collaboration with industry and academia to build resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
Digital Platforms And Awards Launched
During the conclave, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented awards to outstanding BRO projects for excellence in strategic infrastructure development.
He also launched two new digital platforms aimed at enhancing project management and recruitment processes as part of the organisation’s digital transformation initiative.
Additionally, he released three BRO publications:
- Path Pradarshak
- Oonchi Sadken
- Path Vikas
The conclave reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s border infrastructure as a critical pillar of national security, military preparedness, and long-term development.
