Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Ushering in vast improvement in the connectivity of roads and bridges in border areas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on July 20, 2019, inaugurated the one kilometre long Ujh bridge in Kathua district and 617.40 Metre long Basantar bridge in Samba district in Jammu & Kashmir and dedicated them to the nation.
Terming construction of Ujh & Basantar Bridges a great achievement by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Rajnath said that the roads and bridges are the lifeline of any nation and play a vital role in the socio-economic development of people in the far flung regions. He praised BRO personnel for working in the most hostile and the difficult areas away from their families. He added that the BRO has been rendering commendable services through construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in border areas fulfilling the strategic needs of the Defence Forces. Reiterating the Central Government’s commitment to the development of connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajnath said the Prime Minister is regularly monitoring the progress of these projects and funds are being made available accordingly.
One Km long Ujh bridge is the longest bridge constructed by BRO and also has the distinction where technology of Pre Cast Segmental br with 60 m spans was used. It has been constructed at a cost of approx. Rs 50 crore and was completed within the scheduled time. The bridge is located on Parole-Korepannu-Rajpura road over Ujh Nallah.
Basantar bridge has been constructed at a total cost of approx. Rs 41.7 crore. The bridge is located on Rajpura–Madwal–Pangadur–Phulpur road over Basantar Nallah. These bridges will provide smooth connectivity and are vital for the Army for deployment in border areas. These bridges will be a big relief for the local people of border villages of Kathua and Samba sector as road connectivity used to get disrupted during Monsoon.
Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy & Department of Space Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the development programme of Central Government and Prime Minister Nagendra Modi’s steps for boosting connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.
Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Harpal Singh underlined the contribution of BRO to the nation in far flung areas of the country under extremely difficult and harsh conditions. The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC, 29 Infantry Division Maj Gen Y P Khanduri alongwith many other Army & Civil administration dignitaries, according to a PIB release.