New Delhi, Jul 16 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said border infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, ports and airfields, will remain indispensable in future technology-driven warfare, asserting that the road leading soldiers to the frontline is as crucial as the battlefield itself.
Addressing the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi, Singh said while modern warfare is increasingly shaped by advanced weapons, precision capabilities and emerging technologies, robust infrastructure continues to be the backbone of military operations.
“The first front of a war is not always at the border but on the road that takes soldiers to the frontline. The person who builds that road is as vital to national security as the soldier guarding the border,” he said.
The defence minister lauded the BRO for adopting advanced technologies to develop strategic infrastructure and said the organisation has evolved over the past six decades into one of the world’s leading strategic infrastructure agencies.
Referring to projects such as the Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel and Umling La road, Singh said these achievements reflect BRO’s engineering capability and commitment to national service under challenging conditions.
He also highlighted the growing role of tunnelling technology and modern construction methods in accelerating infrastructure development across difficult mountainous terrain.
Describing connectivity as a key driver of national development, Singh said the government has focused on expanding road, rail, air and digital infrastructure to ensure that people living in remote border areas remain connected with the rest of the country.
He said border villages are being developed under the Vibrant Village Programme, adding that the infrastructure being created today will shape India’s future for generations.
Calling for greater collaboration, Singh urged industry, academia, engineers and administrators to work together to build an ecosystem driven by innovation, research and execution excellence.
During the event, the defence minister presented awards to BRO projects for outstanding performance, launched digital platforms for project management and recruitment, and unveiled three BRO publications along with the organisation’s anthem.
The two-day conclave focused on technology, innovation, digital transformation and sustainable construction practices to strengthen strategic infrastructure in India’s border regions, bringing together senior military officials, policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts.(NVI)
