Sikkim: Rajnath Singh inaugurates 75 infrastructure projects virtually, weather halts visit

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who was scheduled to reach Sikkim's Sherathang near Nathula border on October 12, virtually inaugurated 75 vital infrastructure projects from Sukna today. 
 

The defence minister was unable to take off from Bagdogra airport for a second day. He has been camped at the Sukna Military base in Siliguri since landing in Bagdogra on Friday. 

Singh was scheduled to inaugurate 75 infrastructure projects across the country from Sherathang near Indo-Tibet border, in a boost to national security and border connectivity.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, along with Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba and cabinet of ministers reached Sherathang for the scheduled inauguration. 

The virtual inauguration saw the presence of Governors of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, among others also attended the ceremony virtually.

The projects, spearheaded by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), include 51 bridges, 22 roads, and 2 miscellaneous initiatives across multiple states and Union Territories.

Key projects include the 125-meter Nengpuilui Bridge in Mizoram, enhancing connectivity to the remote Parva region, and the strategic 2.595 km Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring all-weather access to Tawang. Additionally, the Kaying Helipad in Arunachal Pradesh will provide rapid logistical support to the military.

Rajnath Singh praised the BRO’s role in completing 125 projects in 2023, reaffirming India's commitment to bolstering border infrastructure for both military readiness and local socio-economic growth. "Shrameṇ Sarvam Sādhyam," the defence minister remarked, emphasising the BRO’s ethos of achieving the impossible through hard work.