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Central Government/Public Sector | Multi State - India | PID: 202399
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 35 crucial infrastructure projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at the Joshimath-Malari Road in Uttarakhand on Friday. The total value of these projects amounts to Rs. 670 crore. In his address during the event, Singh highlighted the significance of connecting remote areas with the rest of the nation for enhanced accessibility
Among the 35 projects inaugurated, 29 are bridges, and six are roads. The distribution of these projects includes 11 in Jammu & Kashmir, nine in Ladakh, eight in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, two in Sikkim, one in Mizoram, and one in Himachal Pradesh. The Dhak Bridge, one of the key projects inaugurated, holds strategic importance, offering increased connectivity to border areas and promoting socio-economic development in the region
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Dhak Bridge, a 93-meter-long Class 70R bridge over Dhak Nalla, with the remaining 34 projects inaugurated virtually
Addressing the audience, Defence Minister Singh underscored the role of mountain infrastructure development in ensuring safety. This emphasis comes in the wake of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse on November 12, where 41 workers were trapped for nearly 16 days. Various construction projects, including the Silkyara Bendno–Barkot tunnel, are underway to enhance connectivity between remote regions
Singh lauded the recent Silkyara Tunnel operation in Uttarakhand and commended the coordinated efforts of various agencies. He particularly praised the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) team for their exceptional teamwork during the crisis, citing it as an outstanding example
During the event, Rajnath Singh announced a "Risk and Hardship allowance" for permanent civilian personnel of BRO, bringing it on par with the armed forces. Additionally, he announced an increase in ex-gratia compensation for casual labourers to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh. The defence minister stated that these initiatives, including a provision of Rs 10 lakh insurance for Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs), aim to boost the morale of Armed Forces personnel, civilian employees, and CPLs in BRO
Discussing the central government's initiatives for the development of border regions, Singh emphasized that these areas are an integral part of the country and not merely buffer zones. He highlighted the importance of roads, bridges, and tunnels as essential infrastructures to enhance connectivity and unity among the citizens of the country
| Updated on: 27 - Jan - 2024
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