Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, while attending the 66th Raising Day ceremony of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), addressed the nation regarding “Operation Sindoor.” He confirmed that the Indian Armed Forces have given a measured yet befitting reply to the disastrous terror attack on Indian soil. He also affirmed that Operation Sindoor, which was carried out earlier today, is well within India’s ‘Right to Respond’. Raksha Mantri Singh concluded by assuring the nation that the precision attack carried out by the Indian Armed Forces was done in a thoughtful and measured manner, limited only to camps and other infrastructure used for training terrorists.
“Through Operation Sindoor, India has used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil, and the Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution & compassion to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK.” – Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh
Speaking at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt, he not only praised the meticulously executed operation but also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing absolute support to the Indian forces. Raksha Mantri also asserted that, as per the plan, only the targets were destroyed and no civilian population or Pakistani army installations were harmed, praising the Indian forces for showing extraordinary restraint.
“The whole world has witnessed what our Armed Forces have done today. I congratulate the Armed Forces on behalf of the whole country. I also congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing complete support to the forces.” – Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh
Highlights: Operation Sindoor and Strategic Infrastructure Enhancement
While Operation Sindoor remained the highlight of the event, the 66th Raising Day event of the BRO also witnessed groundbreaking announcements related to the defense infrastructure and border security imperatives. Shri Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 50 critical projects related to border security and strategically significant to the infrastructure of the nation. The projects, undertaken by the BRO, span eight states and Union Territories. The projects, valued at ₹1,879 crore, include the following:
- 30 bridges engineered for high-altitude deployment
- 17 all-weather access roads in strategic locations
- 3 supplementary infrastructure developments
The infrastructure spans Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, significantly enhancing India’s border defense capabilities and regional connectivity.
“These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future.” – Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh
BRO’s Proven Track Record and Contribution To National Development
The BRO has proven itself strategically important for the nation’s security, as underlined by the Raksha Mantri. It has demonstrated unprecedented infrastructure development capacity in recent years:
- 161 projects worth ₹5,600 crore completed in the last two years alone
- 111 projects delivered in the previous fiscal year
- 456 infrastructure developments valued at ₹13,743 crore finished within the last four years
Raksha Mantri also commended the BRO “Karmayogis” who work behind the scenes and contribute to national security. He further stated that modern defense capability depends not just on weaponry but also on the infrastructure that supports it. Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the need to build new generation infrastructure for the Armed Forces in view of the current geopolitical scenario.
“You can have the fastest tank or the most advanced aircraft, but if they can’t reach where they are needed on time, they serve no purpose. BRO plays a critical role in making sure our military is always ready and well-positioned.” – Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh
‘BRO must ensure that the preparations are at war-level’ – Raksha Mantri
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure border area development. He made a special mention of Sela Tunnel, a road tunnel at 9,800 ft, which ensures all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, that has become a symbol of this resolve. Shri Singh also mentioned the government’s plan to revitalize border villages, citing initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Program, which is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometers of roads every day.
Following the Raksha Mantri, the Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan also highlighted the growing national importance of BRO, stating that the organization has emerged as the key choice for executing infrastructure projects in the most challenging terrains. He further reaffirmed the BRO’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of its workforce, including GREF personnel and Casual Paid Labourers.
