Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 28 BRO Projects Including Siyom Bridge In Arunachal

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the strategically important Siyom Bridge and 27 other infrastructure projects worth 724 crore on Tuesday, amid simmering border tensions between India and China over the recent clash in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) built the 'Class-70' steel arch bridge on the Along-Yingkiong Road in the northeastern state as part of the Brahmank project. The 100-metre bridge is being constructed near Boleng in the Siang district, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“In this era of changing priorities and interests of nations, it is necessary for any nation to keep itself empowered,” Singh said after virtually inaugurating the projects. India has always been opposed to war. Our Armed Forces are always prepared to face any situation and BRO is right there with them, Singh added. 

Notably, the BRO has built a total of 3,097 km of roads in Arunachal Pradesh over the last five years, according to information provided to Parliament during the recently concluded winter session.

This is the Defence Minister's first visit to Arunachal Pradesh following the recent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector.

On 9 December, a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops erupted in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, injuring a few personnel on both sides.

Days after the clash, Rajnath Singh told Parliament that the Chinese side attempted to “unilaterally” change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control in the Yangtse area of Tawang. Still, the Indian Army forced them to retreat firm and resolutely.

Projects inaugurated by Rajnath Singh

The Defence Minister dedicated 22 bridges, three roads and three other projects. Singh praised BRO's commitment to establishing connectivity in remote areas by ensuring the timely completion of these roads and bridges.

Eight of these projects have been built in Ladakh, four in Jammu and Kashmir, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Sikkim, three in Punjab, three in Uttarakhand and two in Rajasthan.

The inauguration of the state-of-the-art “100 metres long, Class 70 steel arch superstructure Siyom Bridge on Along-Yinkiong Road over Siyom River in Arunachal Pradesh” was the event's high point.

This signature bridge is of strategic importance to Indian defence forces because it will allow for the rapid deployment of troops, heavy equipment and mechanised vehicles to forward areas of Upper Siang district, Tuting and Yinkiong region, as well as boost socio-economic development in the region, according to a government press release.

Singh also opened three telemedicine nodes, one in Mizoram and two in Ladakh.

Through telemedicine consultation with specialists at service hospitals via SATCOM VSAT communication, the three telemedicine nodes will provide prompt medical intervention for medical and surgical emergencies. According to the statement, this is one of the first times BRO has used space technology to provide medical services to its personnel in remote border locations.

In addition, the Defence Minister issued a Compendium on New Technologies. “The New Technology Compendium” incorporates the most recent technologies used by BRO in the construction of roads, bridges, airfields and tunnel infrastructure to mitigate the effects of remote and hostile terrain and adverse weather conditions.