‘If need be, weapons will be used with full force’
India won’t hesitate from taking big step
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 12: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today virtually inaugurated 75 projects, mostly roads and bridges, constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) including 19 in Jammu and Kashmir and 11 in Ladakh which will boost road connectivity for the troops as well as general public.
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Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha and Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Brig (Retd) BD Mishra joined the inauguration virtually from New Delhi, Srinagar and Leh respectively.
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Projects inaugurated virtually by Rajnath Singh include seven roads and 12 bridges in Jammu and Kashmir and two roads and nine bridges in Ladakh.
The roads and bridges of J&K inaugurated by Rajnath include Mohura Baaz road; Tutmarigali Kaiyan Bowl road; Gurai bridge, Bandipora-Gurez road; Garjun bridge Tutmarigali Base to Top; Niru Nar, Dawar-Niru-Baraub-Chakwali-Kaobal Gali road; Bishnah-Kaulpur-Khojpur road; Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road; Galhar-Sansari road; Swan bridge, Sanu bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Naigarh bridge, Dul-Galhar road; Chenani bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Natoo bridge, Galhar-Sansari road; Kogra bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Biyalu bridge, Dersu bridge, Dhar-Udhampur road and Sewa-II bridge.
Out of the 11 projects inaugurated virtually by the Defence Minister in Ladakh, Project Vijayak has completed seven projects, including two National Highway double-lane (NHDL) roads and five class 70 R bridges, including NHDL road on the Zojila-Kargil-Leh National Highway and NHDL road on Leh-Chalunka axis; Steel modular Drass bridge on Drass-Umba La-Sankoo road, steel modular Astakappa bridge on Drass-Umba La-Sankoo road, steel modular Sapi-I bridge on the Sankoo-Kunnore Sapi-La-Mulbekh road, steel super structure Skurbuchan bridge on Khaltse-Batalik road and 60m steel super structure Hinachi bridge on Sasoma-Warshi-Snout road.
Similarly, the two projects carried out by Project Himan include steel super structure Hemya-I bridge on Leh-Loma road and Super I concrete beam Kayamlungpa bridge on Leh-Upshi-Sarchu road.
These bridges and roads aim to improve connectivity and boost socio-economic development in the UT of Ladakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath lauded BRO’s commitment towards establishing connectivity in far-flung areas by ensuring timely completion of these roads & bridges. He said that in the last five years, BRO has completed 450 infrastructure projects with a cost of more than Rs 16,000 crore and this year, in 2024 with these 75 infra projects BRO has dedicated a record 111 infrastructure projects to the Nation.
The Defence Minister appreciated the feat of construction of these 75 infrastructure projects at such an expeditious pace during this year. He stated that such performance by the BRO is unprecedented and is a reflection of the grit and determination of the entire Border Roads Organisation.
Rajnath lauded BRO’s effort of always being at the forefront in constructing more than 40% of roads in high altitude areas with hostile terrain, harsh weather, low oxygen levels and extreme cold. Despite these challenges, BRO remains committed towards its mission of ‘Connecting Place Connecting People’, he added.
Earlier, Rajnath said India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests are threatened, “we will not hesitate to take a big step”.
On the occasion of Vijayadashami, Singh performed “Shastra Puja” (worship of weapons) at the Sukna military station in West Bengal, and said that the ritual is a “clear indication that if need be, weapons and equipment will be used with full force”.
“India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight only when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty; when war is waged against religion, truth and human values. This is what we have inherited. We will continue to preserve this heritage,” Singh said in a statement issued by the Defence Ministry.
“However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step. ‘Shastra Puja’ is a clear indication that if need be, the weapons, equipment will be used with full force,” he said.
Singh commended the vigilance and critical role of the armed forces in maintaining peace and stability along the borders.
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