NEW DELHI: Stressing the need for robust infrastructure along the borders, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been entrusted with the task of developing infrastructure along the Indo-Myanmar border, spanning approximately 1,600 km, an initiative that will further bolster the border management capabilities.Rajnath, who chaired a parliamentary consultative committee meeting for the defence ministry on BRO here on Wednesday, asserted that through this network, all-weather connectivity is being ensured even in remote and high-altitude regions, thereby strengthening the operational mobility and defence preparedness. The progress under Border Roads Development Programme 2023-28, under which over 1,000 road and infrastructure projects are being executed, including new construction, upgradation and maintenance works to further strengthen border connectivity, was also discussed during the meeting.The minister also hailed the efforts of the BRO towards enhancing connectivity in the north-eastern region and in areas affected by Left-wing extremism, thereby contributing to security and regional development. “The BRO has facilitated the mobility of defence forces, and worked towards bringing a positive transformation in the lives of the residents,” he said. Insightful deliberations were held on issues pertaining to defence, infrastructure development and ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening national security and operational preparedness.Drawing the attention of the parliamentary consultative committee members to the crucial aspect of ‘technology utilisation’, the minister said BRO is rapidly adopting modern construction techniques by making best use of technologies such as high altitude equipment, modular bridges, and precast technologies.“The BRO has enhanced both the quality and the pace of its work. This demonstrates that we are building future-ready infrastructure,” he said. He reiterated the govt’s commitment to strengthen the BRO in terms of budgetary support, modern equipment and initiatives aimed at the welfare of their personnel. BRO, established in 1960, has constructed over 64,000 km of roads, 1,179 bridges, 22 airfields and seven tunnels, significantly enhancing operational readiness and socio-economic development in border areas.
