New Delhi (NVI): In a strategic development in the North East in the wake of India-China border tensions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated 19.85 km long Alternate Alignment of the National Highway 310 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in East Sikkim.
The road serves as an important link to bolster defence preparedness in the Nathula Sector in particular and in whole of East Sikkim in general, the Defence Wing of PIB said in a release.
The development of the road was necessitated due to the previous alignment having seen extensive damages due to sinking and other natural hazards.
As the Defence Minister’s visit to Sikkim was canceled due to inclement weather, the inauguration ceremony was held through video conference from the Indian Army’s 33 Corp Headquarters in Sukhna.
While addressing the gathering on the occasion, Rajnath Singh complimented the BRO for this achievement and said it is upgrading to double-lane most border roads in Sikkim.
Singh also emphasised the Central Government’s drive towards progressing infrastructure development in far flung areas not only to enhance defence preparedness but also for fostering socio-economic development of the region.
Reiterating the Centre’s resolve to speed up infrastructure development in align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act North East policy, Rajnath highlighted the pace at which construction of the alternate alignment, which had been held up since commencement in 2009, was facilitated over the last two years.
On the occasion, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang brought out the positive impact of the new alignment on boosting tourism as well as the socio-economic development of the state. Emphasising that tourism is the main bulwark of the state’s economy, the Chief Minister was highly appreciative of the BRO and the Central Government for completing the road expeditiously.
The BRO, over the last some years, has undertaken an unprecedented expansion of its capabilities through technology infusion in material, equipment and construction techniques, PIB’s Defence Wing said.
The Atal Tunnel, DS-DBO Road, the new alignment of the National Highway 310 are examples of high quality, fast paced results delivered by the BRO towards strategic and operational preparedness, it said.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the future works that the BRO is to undertake and expressed confidence that the mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat will progress by leaps and bounds in the years ahead.
-ARK
