Defence Minister lays foundation stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi: In all 44 major permanent bridges, built by Border Roads Organisation, were dedicated to the nation by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh through a video conference here today. These bridges are spread over seven states / union territories and herald in a new era in the connectivity of roads and bridges in sensitive areas close to Western, Northern and North Eastern Borders. These bridges are of strategic importance and not just provide connectivity to remote areas but also meet the transport and logistics requirements of the armed forces throughout the year.
Singh also laid the Foundation Stone for the strategically important Nechiphu Tunnel on the road to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. This 450 metre long, bi-lane tunnel would ensure all weather connectivity across Nechiphu Pass besides providing a safe and secure passage through accident prone areas. Besides, the Defence Minister also announced sanctioning of high altitude clothing to BRO engineers and workers.
In his address, Singh said dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record. “In the challenging times of COVID-19 and despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country is not only resolutely facing them but also bringing about historical changes in all sectors of development…,” Singh said.
Lieutenant General Harpal Singh, DG BRO, informed that these bridges of various spans ranging from 30 metres to to 484 metres were located in Jammu & Kashmir (10), Ladakh (8), Himachal Pradesh (2), Punjab (4), Uttarakhand (8), Arunachal Pradesh (8) and Sikkim (4).
The Defence Minister meanwhile pointed out that while the annual budget of BRO used to varied from Rs 3,300 Crores to Rs 4,600 Crores in years 2008-2016, it had now been substantially risen and was pegged at over Rs 11,000 Crores in 2020-21. “There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19,” he pointed out.
It may be mentioned that in addition to expediting road construction, the BRO has laid special emphasis on construction of bridges by completing 28 major bridges last year while 102 major bridges are being completed this year. 54 of these bridges have already been completed. Over 60 Bailey Bridges have also been constructed by BRO to meet immediate requirements of armed forces and people living in remote areas.
These bridges will contribute towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas and will also assist in speedy deployment of Armed Forces in strategically important sectors.
Besides, BRO has worked relentlessly even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continuing with works of strategic importance like Construction of Major Bridges & Roads, Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Sela Tunnel etc, and Snow Clearance for opening of Strategic Mountain Passes.
In spite of unprecedented snowfall breaking a 60 years record, all strategic passes and roads were cleared for traffic about one month before their average yearly opening dates, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, said.
– globalbihari bureau
