Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the possibility of any kind of conflict cannot be ruled out in the current uncertain environment, referring to the ongoing military standoff with China at Line of Actual Control (LAC). The defence minister made these remarks while dedicating 24 new bridges and 3 roads to the nation at a virtual event in Delhi.
“In today’s uncertain environment, the possibility of any kind of conflict cannot be ruled out. Strong infrastructure in border areas is essential as it strengthens strategic capabilities. As we move forward in the direction of strengthening our border infrastructure, we have to bolster our surveillance systems as well,” Rajnath Singh said at the inauguration.
Underlining the significance of infrastructure development along the border area, Rajnath Singh said: “We faced our adversary in the northern sector recently with grit and determination. It could not have been possible without proper infrastructural development.”
He also added that roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs besides ensuring the equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built these 24 new bridges and 3 roads in four states and two UTs. Of these 24 bridges 5 are in Ladakh, 9 in Jammu and Kashmir, 5 in Himachal Pradesh, 3 in Uttarakhand, 1 in Sikkim and 1 in Arunachal Pradesh. Of 3 roads 2 are in Ladakh and 1 in West Bengal.
These newly inaugurated bridges and roads include two highlights, one is the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling pass in southern Ladakh, built at a height of over 19,000 feet, and India’s first indigenous Class 70 double-lane modular bridge which is built in Flag Hill Dokala in Sikkim at a height of 11,000 feet. The Chisumle-Demchok roadone in Ladakh holds the Guinness world record for the highest motorable road.
Also Read | PM Modi to inaugurate, lay foundation stones of 23 projects in Uttrakhand
In order to challenge China's capability in infrastructure development, India has developed its border infrastructure such as roads and bridges all along the LAC post violent military standoff between the Indian Army and PLA in May 2020.
