ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today dedicated the prestigious 165 mtr long Simang bridge at Boleng on the Along-Yingkiong road constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to Arunachal Pradesh through a virtual unveiling which was joined by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
In addition, three more bridges viz. 50 mtr Sikotri Nallah (Upper Siang),  35mtr Hi Nala (West Siang) 45mtr Shuru Pujo (Shi-Yomi) were also e-inaugurated on the day by the Defence Minister. The inauguration stone of Simang Bridge was unveiled by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Alo Libang in presence of MP Tapir Gao, MLAs of Mariyang-Geku Kanggong Taku, Rumgong- Talem Taboh and Pangin-Boleng- Ojing Tasing. The engineering marvel spanning over 165 mtr along the Along-Pangin-Yingkiong route will provide connectivity to the remote areas of Upper Siang district. Construction of the bridge was particularly challenging due to the diversion of river Simang measuring 60-70 metre and its commissioning will provide smooth intra-Siang Valley connectivity. Based on Prestressed Concrete Box girder superstructure with a span of 165 Mtr which is one of the largest bridges in Northeast, it will be a valuable asset both for Arunachal and the country from the socio-economic, strategic and military points of view.
Symbolised by the ‘Mithun’ figurehead, the project has been dedicated to the people of the entire Siang belt and has received appreciation from Gao and Libang who have thanked the Defence Minister, Chief Minister and the BRO for their relentless pursuit.  
BRO CE Padam Kumar informed that the BRO’s Project Brahmank will continue to connect the remote areas in the region and by 2025, the journey from Pasighat to Tuting will take only five hours.  
Along with these four bridges in Arunachal Pradesh, the Defence Minister also dedicated 59 more bridges to the nation built by the BRO in 5 states and two union territories in sync with the government's focus on enhancing border infrastructure. Singh, on a three-day visit to Ladakh, inaugurated the bridges at an event held at Kyungam, 88 km from Leh. The BRO Director General Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary, VSM was also present to coordinate the inauguration centrally from  Leh.
The event was attended by Lt Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur, General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command Lt Gen YK Joshi, Director General of Border Roads Organisation Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry and other senior civil and military officials. Chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim were among those who attended the event virtually. Officials said the inauguration of a 50-metre-long bridge constructed on the Leh-Loma road in Ladakh was significant as it will help in the movement of troops and other military hardware. "This single span steel superstructure bridge, which replaces an existing bailey bridge, will ensure unhindered movement of heavy weapon systems, including guns, tanks and other specialised equipment," the defence ministry said. The Leh-Loma Road that connects with places such as Chumathang, Hanley and Tso Morori Lake is vital for access to forward areas in eastern Ladakh.
The combined cost of the projects is Rs 240 crore and they will provide a tremendous boost to connectivity in the border areas, the ministry said. Speaking on the occasion, the defence minister lauded the BRO's commitment towards improving connectivity to far-flung areas, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that some of these bridges will become a lifeline for many villages located in remote areas. Underlining the importance of connectivity, especially in border areas for the development of a nation, he reaffirmed the government's resolve to ensure infrastructure development in far-flung border areas. Singh said the inauguration of 63 bridges is an important step in that direction and expressed confidence that the new infrastructure will play a crucial role in strengthening security.
On the government's decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as two separate union territories, he stated that the "strong and visionary steps" have bolstered national unity, led to a major reduction in terrorist activities and opened new avenues for the socio-economic development of the people. On the development of Ladakh, he said a number of welfare schemes are being implemented, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, showing the government''s resolve towards the welfare of the region. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to start the democratic process in the region.
"With the inauguration of 63 bridges in one go, BRO has surpassed its own record of 44 bridges launched in 2020. These 63 bridges, combined with 12 roads dedicated to the nation by Rajnath Singh on June 17, 2021, form a bouquet of 75 infrastructure projects," the defence ministry said. With inputs from PTI, DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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