Rajnath Singh inaugurates 6 bridges in J&K – Burning Issues

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Bridges in Border Areas of J&K

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated six bridges in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and asserted that development of remote areas in the region will continue to be a key priority for the government.
The defence minister inaugrated the bridges through video conferencing in presence of Chief of the Army Staff Gen M.M. Naravane, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Director General of Border Roads Organisation Lt Gen Harpal Singh among others.

Bridges, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and come at a time when India and China are engaged in a border row in eastern Ladakh.
These bridges constructed by Project Sampark of the BRO will facilitate movement of Armed Forces in this strategically important sector
In his remarks, Mr. Singh congratulated the BRO for construction of the bridges in “record time“.

Four bridges were constructed on the Akhnoor-Pallanwala road in Akhnoor (Jammu District), while two bridges were built on the Tarnah Nallah in Kathua district,.

Officials said the dedication of the bridges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir carries a bigger message that India will continue to develop key infrastructure in border areas notwithstanding hostilities by any adversary.

Mr. Singh said the government has ensured that sufficient resources are provided to the BRO for the construction of strategic roads.
According to the ministry, the annual budget of the BRO ranged from ₹3,300 crore to ₹4,600 crore during 2008 to 2016.
However, the allocation was hiked to ₹8,050 crore in 2019-2020.

The budget for the BRO for 2020-2021 is likely to be ₹11,800 crore, the ministry said, adding the higher allocation will expedite the construction of strategic roads, bridges and tunnels along our northern borders.