Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the BRO Raising Day event at Manekshaw Centre, in Delhi Cantt on May 07, 2025.
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today lauded Operation Sindoor’s surgical strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as India’s ‘Right to Respond’.
“The whole world has witnessed what our Armed Forces have done today. The action was carried out very thoughtfully and in a measured manner. It was limited only to the camps and other infrastructure used for training terrorists, with the aim of breaking their morale,” said Singh while virtually dedicating 50 infrastructure projects worth ₹1,879 crore of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation on the BRO’s 66th Raising Day at Delhi’s Manekshaw Centre, today.
“I congratulate the Armed Forces on behalf of the whole country. I also congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing complete support to the forces,” Singh said, and asserted that through Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution and compassion to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India’s frontiers roared to life today, as roads rose and terror fell. The BRO projects, comprising 30 bridges, 17 roads, and three other works, span Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. Singh said, “These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future”.
The BRO has completed 161 infrastructure projects worth ₹5,600 crore in the last two years, including 111 projects last year, and 456 projects worth ₹13,743 crore over the last four years. Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan said the organisation has emerged as the agency of choice for key central ministries for executing infrastructure projects in challenging terrains, reaffirming BRO’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of its workforce, including General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel and casual paid labourers
Singh highlighted the strategic importance of BRO’s work, stating, “You can have the fastest tank or the most advanced aircraft, but if they can’t reach where they are needed on time, they serve no purpose”. He stressed the need for new-generation infrastructure in view of the current geopolitical scenario, urging BRO to ensure preparations at a war-level.
The Defence Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development, making special mention of the Sela Tunnel, which has become a symbol of this resolve to enhance connectivity in strategically important areas. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision to revitalise border villages, stating that initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme, under which the Government is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometres of roads every day.
Singh exuded confidence that the projects e-inaugurated today will enhance connectivity, strengthen national security and promote economic prosperity of all these regions. “These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism and economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future,” he added.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiran Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the event. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) joined virtually.
– global bihari bureau
This event highlights the importance of the BRO in India’s defense infrastructure. The presence of Rajnath Singh underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening our borders. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to national security. The BRO has been pivotal in ensuring connectivity in challenging terrains. Their efforts deserve more recognition and appreciation. Do you think such initiatives are enough to address the security challenges at the borders?