Srinagar/Leh, Oct 13: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Kanzalwan Bridge in Gurez Valley of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district via video conference. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹4.13 crore, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the border valley, enhancing both civilian and military movement.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including the Commander of the 109 Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer of the Rana Battalion in Bagtore, and representatives from the BRO.
The Kanzalwan Bridge is one of 75 infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Defence Minister on Saturday. These projects, completed by the BRO, are valued at ₹2,236 crore, with seven roads and 12 bridges constructed in Jammu and Kashmir alone at a cost of ₹731.22 crore.
Speaking after the virtual inauguration from Gangtok, Sikkim, Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of these infrastructure projects in strengthening national security and promoting socio-economic development in remote and strategically sensitive regions. Among the 75 projects, 11 significant developments were completed in Ladakh.
One of the key projects in Ladakh is the Sumdho Bridge, an 80-meter structure on the NPD Road near Chilling, which will improve access to remote villages and is crucial for both civilian and military transportation, integrating isolated communities into Ladakh’s economic fabric. Other notable projects include the Wanla Bridge on the Langru Photoksar Niraq Road, facilitating swift logistics, and the HEMIYA-I Bridge on the Leh-Loma Road at an altitude of 12,982 feet, which strengthens connectivity to Sub Sector South.
Further improvements include the construction of the Leh-Chalunka Road and the upgrade of the Zozila-Kargil-Leh Road, both critical for enhancing transportation efficiency. The Kayamlungpa Bridge, located at 14,618 feet on the Leh-Upshi-Sarchu Road, has also been upgraded to accommodate heavy military equipment, vital for national security.
In his address, Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and promoting socio-economic progress in remote areas. “These infrastructure projects will significantly boost our defence capabilities and contribute to the overall development of the border regions,” he said, adding that these developments are part of the government’s long-term vision. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ can be achieved through such crucial infrastructure projects,” Singh noted.
The Defence Minister emphasized that these projects are not only crucial for military readiness but also for the socio-economic upliftment of the local communities. “The completion of these projects marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity and operational capabilities across Ladakh and other remote regions, fostering socio-economic growth in some of India’s most isolated areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a communiqué, the Defence Ministry highlighted that these strategic infrastructure projects are integral to achieving long-term goals for national defence and regional integration.
