Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 7 December 2025 inaugurated a record 125 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking the largest single-day rollout in the organisation’s history. These projects, valued at around ₹5,000 crore, include 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four other works spanning Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and seven other states.
The main highlight was the inauguration of the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS‑DBO) road in Ladakh. Constructed in challenging mountainous terrain, the tunnel will provide all-weather access to a strategically sensitive area near the India-China border. Singh described it as an “engineering feat” that will significantly enhance troop mobility, logistics, and disaster response capabilities.
Alongside the tunnel, Singh virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh, paying tribute to soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister underlined the importance of strong border infrastructure for national security. He said improved roads and bridges not only enable the armed forces to operate efficiently but also bring tangible benefits to local communities, including better trade, tourism, and employment opportunities. Singh emphasised that connectivity helps integrate remote border regions with the rest of the country, reinforcing development and governance.
The Defence Minister also highlighted recent operational successes, noting that strengthened infrastructure enabled seamless coordination between the Armed Forces, civil administration, and border communities during critical missions.
The BRO’s budget for 2024–25 reached a record ₹16,690 crore, with a target of ₹18,700 crore for 2025–26, reflecting the government’s continued focus on strategic, high-altitude, and frontier infrastructure.
With these new roads, bridges, and tunnels, India not only strengthens its border security but also supports socio-economic growth in some of the country’s most remote and sensitive regions, signalling a major step forward in national development and defence preparedness.
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