The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been actively involved in constructing roads in the border areas of India, with a focus on improving communication infrastructure along the borders with China and Pakistan. The UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir have been the top beneficiaries of these road projects during the last three years. The BRO has constructed road lengths of 453.59 kilometres in Ladakh and 443.94 kilometres in Jammu and Kashmir. These figures are the highest among all Union Territories and States, except for Arunachal Pradesh. The construction of these border roads is carried out based on the priority set by the Armed Forces. The increased focus on road construction in sensitive border areas indicates the Government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity to strategic locations along the LAC with China and the LoC with Pakistan.
Efficient communication and rapid troop movement between different fronts hold significant importance in modern warfare. Strategic planning and timely response duration from intrusion to counteraction play a pivotal role in any conflict. India and China share a border stretching around 3,500 kilometres, with certain areas of heightened strategic significance necessitating heightened vigilance and protection efforts. The primary goal remains to safeguard every inch of our territorial integrity. While securing flat terrain benefits from a wider line of sight, mountainous regions pose challenges due to their complex topography, which makes infrastructure development more intricate. China, a potential adversary, has been diligently expanding its road and railway networks along the border. In response to this strategic dimension of contemporary warfare, India has been swiftly developing its border roads to counter China’s advancements. The role of BRO is of utmost importance as strategically important road projects have to be completed within the stipulated time. The border villages are pivotal as first-line defence zones, and bolstering their facilities contributes to our defensive strength. Addressing the challenge of accessibility during harsh winters, a renewed emphasis is placed on all-weather connectivity through the construction of tunnels and bridges and employing advanced materials and techniques. The BRO and other agencies continue the maintenance and enhancement of border roads and infrastructure. Notably, recent years have witnessed a substantial surge in budget allocation, leading to transformative changes, particularly in the North East and the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Progress is evident in the inauguration of the dual-lane Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri route, which has improved connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh. Whether it’s the Syom Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway, the Bailey Bridge in Ramban, or the Basti Bridge on the Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road, the focus is clear: to expedite top-tier infrastructure construction. Remote regions like Demchuk now have access to roads for the first time.
Similarly, the more than 2,200-kilometer-long border shared between India and Pakistan is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of calm and tranquillity. The enhanced road network, bridges, and tunnels have drastically heightened the manoeuvrability of the army. This advancement enables the rapid deployment of heavy equipment and manpower whenever the need arises.The benefits extend not only to the armed forces but also to local communities. Border villages now enjoy access to modern amenities such as hospitals and colleges, mirroring the facilities available in any other part of the country. This comprehensive progress has significantly improved their quality of life.
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