This includes the strategically important Shyok Setu bridge on D-S-DBO Road in Ladakh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation 75 infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a ceremony held at D-S-DBO Road, Ladakh on Friday.

The highlight of the event was the onsite inauguration of the 120-metre long Class 70 Shyok Setu on D-S-DBO Road at an altitude 14,000 feet. The bridge will be of strategic importance as it will facilitate logistics movement of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence pointed out.

Other projects inaugurated virtually by Defence Minister Singh included two helipads, one each in Hanle and Thakung, in Eastern Ladakh. These helipads will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the region.

According to the Ministry of Defence, these 75 projects, which include 45 bridges, 27 highways, 2 helipads, and 1 carbon-neutral habitat, are spread across 6 states and 2 union territories (UTs).

The ministry added that 20 of these projects are in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), 18 are in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, five are in Uttarakhand, and 14 are in other border states including Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

The official press release further stated that the BRO has built these strategically significant projects at a total cost of Rs 2,180 crore in record time, with many of them being finished in a single working season utilizing cutting-edge technology.

Addressing the event, the Defence Minister appreciating the grit and determination of BRO for achieving the feat despite challenging weather conditions. He pointed out that the projects will bolster the country’s defence preparedness & ensure economic development of border areas.

The event also saw the onsite inauguration of the BRO's first Carbon Neutral Habitat at a height of 19,000 feet for its personnel at Hanle.

Later, Singh also laid the foundations for a BRO Museum in Leh and the Himank Air Despatch Complex being built in Chandigarh.