Leh, Dec 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the armed forces “could have done much more” during Operation Sindoor in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, but deliberately opted for a “restrained” and “calibrated” response.
The operation in May underscored both the capability and discipline of the Indian forces, who neutralised terror threats without escalation, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said while dedicating 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 02 Union Territories – Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir – and 07 States – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal & Mizoram, these projects – 28 Roads, 93 Bridges and 04 Miscellaneous – have been completed at a cost of approx. Rs 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.
The event was organised on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road at the Shyok Tunnel, which is among the key projects inaugurated by Shri 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.
Raksha Mantri also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh to honour the unmatched bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the Armed Forces personnel.
Rajnath Singh emphasised that the speed with which India is strengthening its borders 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.
Singh acknowledged the BRO for its humanitarian assistance efforts this year including the Mana avalanche in Uttarakhand, where 46 workers were rescued; the evacuation of over 1,600 stranded tourists in North Sikkim, which witnessed landslides triggered by heavy rain, and the cloudburst in Chasoti, J&K, where nearly 5,000 pilgrims were evacuated in record time.
Singh also pointed out that, in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, BRO incurred a record expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore, the highest ever, and a target of Rs 18,700 crore has been set for FY 2025-26 which, he said, underlines the Government’s confidence in BRO’s capabilities. But due to our hard work in the last 10 years, our defence production, which was approximately Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has now grown to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore. Our defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore ten years ago, have now reached nearly Rs 24,000 crore,” he said.
The defence minister added that if he can meet the armed forces in any corner of the country, it is possible only because of strong communication networks and connectivity.
“Communication should not be viewed merely in terms of infrastructure. It is a very broad term. Communication is essential for peace, harmony, and understanding of society,” he said, adding that the government’s constant endeavour has been to strengthen communication and connectivity with all the border areas, including Ladakh.
The Central government is working with full enthusiasm for the holistic development of the border areas, he said.
“Our government, our armed forces, and organisations such as the BRO stand with you. We just need to keep strengthening this bond so that our relationship is not affected by any external element,” the defence minister said.
He added that improved connectivity is not only strengthening security and infrastructure but also driving economic growth.
Citing the 8.2 per cent GDP expansion in the second quarter of 2025-26, Singh said stronger communication and connectivity networks have been a key enabler, supported by the government’s pro-growth policies and nationwide reforms.
Centre taking spl note of Ladakh: LG Kavinder
Leh, Dec 7: Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday said that the new infrastructure projects completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Ladakh reflected the central government’s firm commitment to progress of the Union Territory.
Gupta was speaking at the inauguration of 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of the BRO, including the Shayok tunnel on Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road in Ladakh by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
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, Gupta said, lauding the nationwide inauguration of the projects, including 41 projects completed in Ladakh. He called it a “historic milestone” in the region’s development.
“The new projects will significantly improve connectivity, accelerate economic activity, and ensure reliable access to border areas that were earlier cut off for months,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defence minister for “prioritising the rapid and balanced growth” of Ladakh.
Acknowledging the BRO’s exceptional work in extreme conditions, the LG highlighted key achievements, including the cut-and-cover tunnel on the Durbuk-Shyok–DBO Road, ensuring all-weather connectivity, the world’s highest multi-span Saser Brangsa Bridge, the Nimoo–Padum–Darcha Road, offering Ladakh its third and shortest route, and the operationalisation of the high-altitude Mudh–Nyoma airfield, a strategic asset for national security.
He said the BRO’s projects have also boosted tourism, with routes such as Mahe–Chushul and Mahe–Debring improving access to Pangong, Chushul, and Tso Moriri, thereby supporting adventure and eco-tourism.
Calling Ladakh a symbol of India’s spirit and beauty, the LG urged citizens across the country to visit the region at least once to experience its natural grandeur, cultural purity, and inspiring border heritage – now more accessible than ever due to BRO’s network of world-class roads.
LG hails PM, Rajnath for strengthening border infra
Jammu Tawi, Dec 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating a series of key infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering connectivity and security in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a post on X, the Office of the J&K LG, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, wrote, “Grateful to Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Sh. Rajnath Singh Ji for inaugurating Border Roads Organisation’s 22 vital infra projects for J&K today. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble PM Sh. Narendra Modi ji for significantly strengthening border infra and ensuring socio-economic upliftment.”
The LG said the newly inaugurated projects, executed in some of the most challenging terrains under BRO’s BEACON and SAMPARK projects, will play a crucial role in enhancing operational readiness along the borders.
“These national security infrastructure projects in the most complex terrains will boost military mobility by ensuring year-round access to remote areas, enhance our brave forces’ readiness for quick response and make a notable contribution to local development,” the post added.
