Sikkim CM Applauds Inauguration of 75 Border Infrastructure Projects, Hails it as a Boost to National Security

KalimNews (Inputs from PIB), 12 OCT 2024, Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has lauded the inauguration of 75 strategic infrastructure projects by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing it as a significant move towards enhancing national security and improving infrastructure in border areas. The inauguration took place virtually on Saturday, with the Defence Minister presiding over the event from the Trishakti Corps Headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal, while the local event in Sikkim was hosted at Sherethang.

The Chief Minister participated in the virtual ceremony, which marked the dedication of these 75 projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a total cost of Rs. 2,236 crore. Among the key highlights was the opening of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, a vital link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis, crucial for both military and civilian purposes in the strategically important region.

In a Facebook post following the event, CM Tamang-Golay noted that out of the 75 infrastructure projects, six were located in Sikkim, underscoring the state's strategic significance. He praised the central government’s initiative as a "visionary step," stressing that these developments would play a pivotal role in safeguarding national security while simultaneously advancing infrastructure in India’s remote and sensitive border areas.

The CM wrote, "I had the honor of attending the virtual inauguration of 75 strategic infrastructure projects developed across the country, with six of these projects located in Sikkim. These projects were constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) as part of the Government of India's visionary initiative to boost development in border regions. The virtual inauguration was conducted by the Hon'ble Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, and the local event in Sikkim was hosted at Sherethang."

"These infrastructure projects mark a significant milestone for enhancing national security, as they improve connectivity and operational capabilities in crucial border areas. The roads and bridges inaugurated will not only strengthen defense preparedness but also improve access for civilians living in remote regions, fostering economic development. In Sikkim, the strategic infrastructure is particularly important given the state's geographical and military importance, making these projects a vital step forward", he added.

He also said, "This achievement represents a crucial advancement in both security and infrastructure for India’s border areas. It showcases the government's commitment to addressing the needs of states like Sikkim and ensuring the nation’s borders are fortified with the necessary infrastructure. Such developments promise to contribute to long-term regional stability and prosperity."

The Defence Ministry's 75 projects include 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other key developments, spread across 11 border states and Union Territories. Notably, 19 of these projects are in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, and others in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The six projects (four Roads and two Bridges) in Sikkim highlight the importance of enhancing connectivity and defense preparedness in the state’s challenging terrains.

The inauguration of these infrastructure projects is expected to bolster not only the operational readiness of Indian forces along the borders but also improve the overall development and connectivity of these often-remote regions. CM Tamang-Golay’s enthusiastic response reflects the local importance of these projects, particularly for states like Sikkim, where border security and infrastructure development go hand in hand.