Today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Ladakh for a three-day tour, inaugurates 63 strategically vital bridges built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

From Kunjan bridge on Leh-Loma road, the Defence Minister virtually inaugurated a record number of infra projects at a click in eight different states of the nation. Amongst the bridges, 11 bridges are in Ladakh, 4 in Jammu and Kashmir, 3 in Himachal Pradesh, 6 in Uttarakhand, 8 in Sikkim, 1 each in Nagaland and Manipur, and 29 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Inaugurating the projects, Rajnath Singh asserted, “The roads being constructed by BRO have been increasing the pace of development in India. 63 bridges and roads were inaugurated today. This has happened due to the hard work of BRO personnel.”

The BRO’s commitment towards establishing connectivity to far-flung border areas is highly commendable. I’m confident that the bridges inaugurated today will play a crucial role in strengthening security as well as promoting the economic development of the respective states through improved connectivity, the Defence Minister said in a series of tweets.

The frontier road-making organisation has used the latest technologies in building these bridges. These are Class-70 bridges, which can bear the load of movement of Tanks and other heavy vehicles. The bridges facilitate strategic and quicker access not just to Armed forces but to people living in the border villages as well.

Later in the day, the Defence Minister will participate in a program organized by the local administration in Leh and he will interact with the Army personnel in Leh, later in the evening.

Defence Minister interacts with 300 veterans in Leh

Yesterday, Rajnath Singh interacted with 300 veterans, including elected senior representatives of Leh, Kargil, and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The Defence Minister lauded the unparalleled dedication of the veterans in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, reiterating the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen.

The Defence Minister said,” PM Modi’s decision to roll out the ‘One Rank One Pension’ scheme, ending a decades-long wait, was a testimony to the Government’s unwavering commitment towards the welfare and satisfaction of the veterans. “Our aim is to take care of you in the same way as you all have taken care of the security of the country.”