Defence minister virtually inaugurates Singtam-Dikchu road

ISABELLA GURUNG

SINGTAM, :  On the occasion of the 66th Raising Day of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Defence minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the Singtam-Dikchu Road (from 0.405 km to 10 km).

The on-ground inauguration at Singtam was conducted by State Roads and Bridges minister Nar Bahadur Dahal, in the presence of Project Swastik chief engineer Brigadier Manoj Gupta, Gangtok Zilla Adhyaksha Balaram Adhikari, BRO officials, and invited guests.

This road stretch, executed by the BRO, enhances connectivity in Sikkim and reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to infrastructure development in strategic border areas. The inauguration marks another step forward in strengthening national security and boosting socio-economic development in the region.

Rajnath Singh showed 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 & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future,” he added.

Underlining the strategic importance of BRO’s work, the Raksha Mantri stated that modern defence capability depends not just on weaponry but also on the infrastructure that supports it. “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. BRO plays a critical role in making sure our military is always ready and well-positioned,” he said, commending BRO Karmayogis who work behind the scenes and contribute to national security.

Singh emphasised on the need to build new generation infrastructure for the Armed Forces in view of the current geopolitical scenario. BRO must ensure that the preparations are at war-level, he said.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development, making special mention of Sela Tunnel which has become a symbol of this resolve to enhance connectivity in strategically-important areas. He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revitalise border villages, stating that initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme under which the government is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometers of roads every day.

Minister Dahal stated that the Singtam-Dikchu road is an old road, and the primary work involved was its widening.

“We are confident that the road will be beneficial to the public, as it connects the North District via Mangan. We would like to thank the BRO, and we are satisfied with their work, especially the residents of Singtam. The remaining stretch beyond Dikchu is also under construction and will be completed soon,” he added.

The event also witnessed the virtual dedication of 50 strategically-significant infrastructure projects of BRO, 30 bridges, 17 roads and three other works; to the nation by Raksha Mantri. These projects, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore, are spread across six border States and two Union Territories i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal & Rajasthan, reinforcing India’s security, connectivity and development in remote regions.

In the last two years alone, BRO has completed a record 161 infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,600 crore, including 111 projects last year.  In the last four years, BRO has completed 456 infrastructure projects with a total expenditure of Rs 13,743 crore.