An avalanche occurred in the Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Kashmir on Monday (Apr 29), causing traffic chaos&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;triggering panic among people and livestock in the area. A video that emerged on social media showed the massive avalanche hitting a forest area, thus resulting in no casualties.&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;Border Roads Organisation (BRO) soon launched a snow-clearing operation near the site under name ‘Project Beacon’.

<h2>Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir</h2>

India’s&nbsp;Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past few days, causing landslides and avalanches in several regions. Another video from the state showed a house getting destroyed in a landslide in Uri near the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan.

On April 29, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was&nbsp;also&nbsp;closed following heavy rains and landslides. Notably, the highway is the only all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of India.&nbsp;The highway was blocked&nbsp;at Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district, a PTI report said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> | A huge avalanche struck Sarbal area of Sonamarg in central <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a>'s Ganderbal district this afternoon. 
 
The avalanche occurred near the forest side of the area. However, there were no reports of any damage till the reports last came in. <a href="https://t.co/iggcTP5aba">pic.twitter.com/iggcTP5aba</a>
— DD News (@DDNewslive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1784883525474287913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Officials said&nbsp;that&nbsp;a route linking Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu with south&nbsp;Kashmir's&nbsp;Shopian district has&nbsp;also&nbsp;been closed for three days now as massive snowfall occurred in Peer Ki Gali and adjoining areas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwil4-Si_eeFAxX7-jgGHR69BC4QxfQBKAB6BAgZEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-lash-jammu-and-kashmir-highways-closed-for-traffic-716232" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-lash-jammu-and-kashmir-highways-closed-for-traffic-716232&amp;ved=2ahUKEwil4-Si_eeFAxX7-jgGHR69BC4QxfQBKAB6BAgZEAE">Heavy rains lash Jammu and Kashmir, highways closed for traffic</a>

Officials say the rainfall over the last three days has increased the&nbsp;flow of water&nbsp;in all rivers, lakes and streams in the territory.&nbsp;The Meteorological (MeT) office said&nbsp;that more rainfall&nbsp;was expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;occur in the next 24 hours.&nbsp;Several schools in the territory have been shut prone to landslides and inundation.

<h2>Project Beacon</h2>

Project Beacon is the oldest campaign of the BRO&nbsp;which&nbsp;aims to keep traffic moving at Zojila Pass, restoring and improving Amarnath Yatra tracks, and clearing snow on roads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwil4-Si_eeFAxX7-jgGHR69BC4QxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chamber-for-commerce-and-industries-kashmir-gives-platform-to-46-women-led-startups-to-show-their-talent-715788" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chamber-for-commerce-and-industries-kashmir-gives-platform-to-46-women-led-startups-to-show-their-talent-715788&amp;ved=2ahUKEwil4-Si_eeFAxX7-jgGHR69BC4QxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE">Chamber for Commerce and Industries Kashmir gives platform to 46 women-led startups to show their talent</a>&nbsp;

The initiative was launched&nbsp;in the 1960s, which involves development and maintenance of&nbsp;vital road infrastructure in key Kashmir regions, including the Zojila Pass, which connects Drass with the Kashmir valley.

(With inputs from agencies)

An avalanche occurred in the Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Kashmir on Monday (Apr 29), causing traffic chaos as well as triggering panic among people and livestock in the area.

An avalanche occurred in the Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Kashmir on Monday (Apr 29), causing traffic chaos as well as triggering panic among people and livestock in the area. A video that emerged on social media showed the massive avalanche hitting a forest area, thus resulting in no casualties. India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) soon launched a snow-clearing operation near the site under name ‘Project Beacon’. Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir India’s Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past few days, causing landslides and avalanches in several regions. Another video from the state showed a house getting destroyed in a landslide in Uri near the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan. On April 29, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was also closed following heavy rains and landslides. Notably, the highway is the only all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of India. The highway was blocked at Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district, a PTI report said. #Watch | A huge avalanche struck Sarbal area of Sonamarg in central #Kashmir's Ganderbal district this afternoon. The avalanche occurred near the forest side of the area. However, there were no reports of any damage till the reports last came in. pic.twitter.com/iggcTP5aba — DD News (@DDNewslive) April 29, 2024 × Officials said that a route linking Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu with south Kashmir's Shopian district has also been closed for three days now as massive snowfall occurred in Peer Ki Gali and adjoining areas. Also read: Heavy rains lash Jammu and Kashmir, highways closed for traffic Officials say the rainfall over the last three days has increased the flow of water in all rivers, lakes and streams in the territory. The Meteorological (MeT) office said that more rainfall was expected to occur in the next 24 hours. Several schools in the territory have been shut prone to landslides and inundation. Project Beacon Project Beacon is the oldest campaign of the BRO which aims to keep traffic moving at Zojila Pass, restoring and improving Amarnath Yatra tracks, and clearing snow on roads. Also read: Chamber for Commerce and Industries Kashmir gives platform to 46 women-led startups to show their talent The initiative was launched in the 1960s, which involves development and maintenance of vital road infrastructure in key Kashmir regions, including the Zojila Pass, which connects Drass with the Kashmir valley. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Massive avalanche hits Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Kashmir, BRO starts clearing snow

India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16,&nbsp;months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley. The seasonal passes, this year, opened&nbsp;much before their usual time of opening.&nbsp;

Zojila Pass is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road (NH-1), over 900 km north of New Delhi, at a height of 11,650 feet. The pass provides a vital strategic link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region. It closes by October, November every year and re-opens by April-May with the total closure time averaging to almost five to six months.&nbsp;

With the renewed focus on infrastructure development and augmentation of connectivity to India's Northern borders and de-facto international boundaries&nbsp;in recent years, India has sensed a strategic requirement of minimising the closure of Zojila Pass during winters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-receives-fresh-snowfall-srinagar-jammu-national-highway-closed-554393">Kashmir receives fresh snowfall, Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed</a>

''Border Road Organisation accordingly ensured that the Zojila Pass was kept open for traffic till as late as 06 Jan 2023 this year, thereby creating a new historic precedent of its kind. The advantage which accrued by keeping Zojila open till this late can be assessed by the fact that almost 13,500 vehicles crossed the Pass between end Nov 2022 and 06 Jan 2023,'' said Public Relations Office (PRO), Defence, Srinagar, in an official statement.&nbsp;

Despite a spell of severe winter during which the union territory of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the highest snowfall in the last five years, BRO rose to the challenge and initiated various measures to ensure early opening of the Zojila Pass.

Finding a clear window of dry weather in the first week of Feb 2023, snow clearance teams were pushed into immediate action by Project Beacon and Project Vijayak from Sonmarg and Dras ends of Zojila. After sustained and relentless efforts, initial connectivity across Zojila Pass was established on 11 Mar 2023. Improvement and widening of the road surface have been carried out since then to facilitate safe passage of vehicles.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Trending on WION: Heavy snowfall brings normal life to a halt in Kashmir

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''Trial convoys of vehicles have been successfully passed through the Zojila on 16 Mar 2023, thereby ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears,'' the PRO Defence Srinagar added.&nbsp;

Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley, has also been successfully reopened on March 16 after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout this winter season.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of Border Roads,&nbsp;commended the Karmayogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat.

Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley.&nbsp;

''BRO’s commitment towards nation building and service to the people.&nbsp;The trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the Civil Administration after the conduct of joint inspection. The BRO has again risen to the challenge and lived to its ethos of “We Will Either Find A Way or Make One”, said Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, DGBR.&nbsp;

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India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16, months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley.

India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16, months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley. The seasonal passes, this year, opened much before their usual time of opening. Zojila Pass is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road (NH-1), over 900 km north of New Delhi, at a height of 11,650 feet. The pass provides a vital strategic link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region. It closes by October, November every year and re-opens by April-May with the total closure time averaging to almost five to six months. With the renewed focus on infrastructure development and augmentation of connectivity to India's Northern borders and de-facto international boundaries in recent years, India has sensed a strategic requirement of minimising the closure of Zojila Pass during winters. ALSO READ | Kashmir receives fresh snowfall, Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed ''Border Road Organisation accordingly ensured that the Zojila Pass was kept open for traffic till as late as 06 Jan 2023 this year, thereby creating a new historic precedent of its kind. The advantage which accrued by keeping Zojila open till this late can be assessed by the fact that almost 13,500 vehicles crossed the Pass between end Nov 2022 and 06 Jan 2023,'' said Public Relations Office (PRO), Defence, Srinagar, in an official statement. Despite a spell of severe winter during which the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the highest snowfall in the last five years, BRO rose to the challenge and initiated various measures to ensure early opening of the Zojila Pass. Finding a clear window of dry weather in the first week of Feb 2023, snow clearance teams were pushed into immediate action by Project Beacon and Project Vijayak from Sonmarg and Dras ends of Zojila. After sustained and relentless efforts, initial connectivity across Zojila Pass was established on 11 Mar 2023. Improvement and widening of the road surface have been carried out since then to facilitate safe passage of vehicles. ALSO WATCH | Trending on WION: Heavy snowfall brings normal life to a halt in Kashmir × ''Trial convoys of vehicles have been successfully passed through the Zojila on 16 Mar 2023, thereby ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears,'' the PRO Defence Srinagar added. Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley, has also been successfully reopened on March 16 after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout this winter season. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of Border Roads, commended the Karmayogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat. Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley. ''BRO’s commitment towards nation building and service to the people. The trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the Civil Administration after the conduct of joint inspection. The BRO has again risen to the challenge and lived to its ethos of “We Will Either Find A Way or Make One”, said Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, DGBR. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India reopens strategic passes in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of usual schedule

India completed the excavation work of Nechiphu Tunnel, located at an altitude of 5,700 feet in its eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh by conducting a final "breakthrough blast", officials said&nbsp;on Friday.

The blast marked the cumulative excavation of more than 4,500 meters, achieved by India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO), in less than two years.

BRO is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to and is now a part of the Indian armed forces. It develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Nechiphu Tunnel is a unique 500-metre-long “D-shaped, single tube double lane tunnel” on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) Road in West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh.

Once it opens up, the Nechiphu Tunnel, along with the Sela Tunnel, will provide safe, all-weather strategic connectivity on the BCT Road while reducing the carbon footprint in this eco-sensitive area.

Director-General of BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry conducted the blast remotely from India's national capital New Delhi.

The tunnel will accommodate two-way traffic and will be equipped with modern lighting and safety facilities, Indian officials said.

The tunnel has been conceived to bypass extreme foggy conditions prevailing around Nechiphu Pass which had caused hindrance to general traffic and military convoys for many decades, officials said.

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"The tunnel will be provided with a state-of-the-art electro-mechanical system including firefighting devices, auto illumination system and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controlled monitoring systems.

"It will also accommodate raised footpaths on both sides for safer pedestrian movement which will have ducts for power cables, optical fibre cables and utility lines to strengthen the civic amenities infrastructure," they said.

The ongoing tunnel construction is being accomplished by cutting through fragile and highly fractured rock strata, officials said.

The attendant challenges are being tackled on daily basis through strict 3D monitoring and through proactive application of desired tunnel support systems in accordance with the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM).

The foundation stone of the project was laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 12, 2020.

In tandem with the Nechiphu Tunnel project, the Project Vartak of BRO has also completed the excavation work on another strategic tunnel, the Twin Tube (1,555 meters and 980 meters) “Sela Tunnel Project” on the same road, on January 22 this year.

Friday's blast thus marks the cumulative excavation of more than 4,500 meters achieved by BRO in less than two years, officials said.

India has taken up tunnelling in a big way with the completion of high altitude and mountainous tunnels. In addition to the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh, the Chamba Tunnel in Uttarakhand have also been dedicated to the nation in the recent past, officials said.

&nbsp;

India completed the excavation work of Nechiphu Tunnel, located at an altitude of 5,700 feet in its eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh by conducting a final "breakthrough blast", officials said on Friday.

India completed the excavation work of Nechiphu Tunnel, located at an altitude of 5,700 feet in its eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh by conducting a final "breakthrough blast", officials said on Friday. The blast marked the cumulative excavation of more than 4,500 meters, achieved by India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO), in less than two years. BRO is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to and is now a part of the Indian armed forces. It develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. The Nechiphu Tunnel is a unique 500-metre-long “D-shaped, single tube double lane tunnel” on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) Road in West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. Once it opens up, the Nechiphu Tunnel, along with the Sela Tunnel, will provide safe, all-weather strategic connectivity on the BCT Road while reducing the carbon footprint in this eco-sensitive area. Director-General of BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry conducted the blast remotely from India's national capital New Delhi. The tunnel will accommodate two-way traffic and will be equipped with modern lighting and safety facilities, Indian officials said. The tunnel has been conceived to bypass extreme foggy conditions prevailing around Nechiphu Pass which had caused hindrance to general traffic and military convoys for many decades, officials said. "The tunnel will be provided with a state-of-the-art electro-mechanical system including firefighting devices, auto illumination system and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controlled monitoring systems. "It will also accommodate raised footpaths on both sides for safer pedestrian movement which will have ducts for power cables, optical fibre cables and utility lines to strengthen the civic amenities infrastructure," they said. The ongoing tunnel construction is being accomplished by cutting through fragile and highly fractured rock strata, officials said. The attendant challenges are being tackled on daily basis through strict 3D monitoring and through proactive application of desired tunnel support systems in accordance with the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The foundation stone of the project was laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 12, 2020. In tandem with the Nechiphu Tunnel project, the Project Vartak of BRO has also completed the excavation work on another strategic tunnel, the Twin Tube (1,555 meters and 980 meters) “Sela Tunnel Project” on the same road, on January 22 this year. Friday's blast thus marks the cumulative excavation of more than 4,500 meters achieved by BRO in less than two years, officials said. India has taken up tunnelling in a big way with the completion of high altitude and mountainous tunnels. In addition to the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh, the Chamba Tunnel in Uttarakhand have also been dedicated to the nation in the recent past, officials said.

India’s BRO conducts 'breakthrough' blast of Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh state

Indian&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country. He also commended BRO for achieving the feat despite the challenges of sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes.&nbsp;

These bridges and roads are constructed with an aim to ensure the swift movement of troops at borders with China and Pakistan. It will also boost tourism in the region, ensuring socio-economic development.&nbsp;

The official press release by the government stated that out of 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, five each in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, out of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal.&nbsp;

The highlight of the inauguration was India's first indigenous Class 70 140-feet Double-Lane Modular Bridge, built at the height of 11,000 feet at Flag Hill Dokala, Sikkim and the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh, which holds the Guinness World Record of world's highest motorable road.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-india-has-emerged-to-be-the-second-biggest-startup-hub-in-the-world-440644">PM Narendra Modi: India has emerged to be the second biggest startup hub in the world</a>

"Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation," Singh said during the virtual inauguration from the nation's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

"It is an important milestone on the path to achieve 'Make in India' as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a symbol of the Government's resolve to provide faster connectivity to border areas. It will also pave the way for the construction of more bridges in such areas," he added.&nbsp;

The defence minister also announced&nbsp;setting up&nbsp;of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 places, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'&nbsp;celebrations.&nbsp;

The official release stated that these cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries.&nbsp;

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Dedicated to the nation 27 infra projects built by BRO in four States &amp; two UTs via VC facility. 
 
The BRO has achieved the feat of completing record 102 infra projects in a single working season. I congratulate Team BRO for this wonderful achievement. <a href="https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck">https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck</a> <a href="https://t.co/kNesFMdUq4">pic.twitter.com/kNesFMdUq4</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1475758287584780289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The infra projects inaugurated today will bolster security, ensure socio-economic development of far-flung areas &amp; contribute in developing a New India. 
 
The BRO is now ready to set up 'BRO Cafes’ at 75 places in border areas, as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a> celebrations.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1475758625519902724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The newly constructed bridges will help Indian troops

It is understood that the Flag Hill-Dokla road will reduce the travel time for Indian troops to reach the Dokla area near the Doklam plateau where a stand-off took place between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017.&nbsp;

The road connecting Chisumale to Demchock provides an alternate route from Leh to the strategically important Demchock.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country. He also commended BRO for achieving the feat despite the challenges of sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes. These bridges and roads are constructed with an aim to ensure the swift movement of troops at borders with China and Pakistan. It will also boost tourism in the region, ensuring socio-economic development. The official press release by the government stated that out of 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu & Kashmir, five each in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, out of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal. The highlight of the inauguration was India's first indigenous Class 70 140-feet Double-Lane Modular Bridge, built at the height of 11,000 feet at Flag Hill Dokala, Sikkim and the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh, which holds the Guinness World Record of world's highest motorable road. ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi: India has emerged to be the second biggest startup hub in the world "Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation," Singh said during the virtual inauguration from the nation's capital, New Delhi. "It is an important milestone on the path to achieve 'Make in India' as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a symbol of the Government's resolve to provide faster connectivity to border areas. It will also pave the way for the construction of more bridges in such areas," he added. The defence minister also announced setting up of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 places, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. The official release stated that these cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries. Dedicated to the nation 27 infra projects built by BRO in four States & two UTs via VC facility. The BRO has achieved the feat of completing record 102 infra projects in a single working season. I congratulate Team BRO for this wonderful achievement. https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck pic.twitter.com/kNesFMdUq4 — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 28, 2021 × The infra projects inaugurated today will bolster security, ensure socio-economic development of far-flung areas & contribute in developing a New India. The BRO is now ready to set up 'BRO Cafes’ at 75 places in border areas, as part of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav celebrations. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 28, 2021 × The newly constructed bridges will help Indian troops It is understood that the Flag Hill-Dokla road will reduce the travel time for Indian troops to reach the Dokla area near the Doklam plateau where a stand-off took place between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017. The road connecting Chisumale to Demchock provides an alternate route from Leh to the strategically important Demchock. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian defence minister inaugurates strategically important bridges near China and Pakistan borders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure.

"It is an example of world-class border connectivity. There have been demands to improve border infrastructure but for a long time, such projects either couldn`t get out of planning stage or got stuck midway," Modi said in his address after dedicating the highway tunnel, one of the world`s most challenging and a marvel of engineering motorways, in the Himalayas to the nation.

The tunnel would be a lifeline for Ladakh and would boost border security.

Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 9.02km long Atal Tunnel from its south portal near here. It will connect Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh.

It is the longest highway tunnel in the world built at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worlds-longest-highway-tunnel-connecting-manali-with-leh-ready-after-10-years-327912">Also read:&nbsp;World's longest highway tunnel connecting Manali with Leh ready after 10 years</a>

Modi said the Atal Tunnel, the dream of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaye, is going to be "Sanjeevani Buti" for the residents of Lahaul-Spiti, especially during winters when the entire district "gets covered under snow and road connectivity through the Rohtang Pass gets snapped.

Praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a wing of the Defence Ministry, Modi said, "One of our top priorities is to strengthen the international border on all sides."

He blamed the previous government in the Centre for deliberately ignoring the projects of strategic importance.

"There is nothing more important for us than protecting the country. But the country has also seen a period when the defence interests of the country were compromised."

"Even in the case of Atal Tunnel, if the pace of the construction continued as in the previous governments it would have been completed by 2040," Modi, donning a Himachal cap, said.

"In the year 2002, Atalji laid the foundation stone of the approach road to the tunnel.

"After Atalji`s government, this work was forgotten. The situation was that by 2013-14, only 1,300 meters of the work for the tunnel was completed," said Modi.

"Work on Atal Tunnel was accelerated after 2014; in just six years, we completed the work of 26 years."

"My brothers and sisters of Himachal Pradesh can understand what it means to reduce the distance of three-four hours on the mountain with the completion of this tunnel," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure. "It is an example of world-class border connectivity. There have been demands to improve border infrastructure but for a long time, such projects either couldn`t get out of planning stage or got stuck midway," Modi said in his address after dedicating the highway tunnel, one of the world`s most challenging and a marvel of engineering motorways, in the Himalayas to the nation. The tunnel would be a lifeline for Ladakh and would boost border security. Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 9.02km long Atal Tunnel from its south portal near here. It will connect Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world built at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Also read: World's longest highway tunnel connecting Manali with Leh ready after 10 years Modi said the Atal Tunnel, the dream of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaye, is going to be "Sanjeevani Buti" for the residents of Lahaul-Spiti, especially during winters when the entire district "gets covered under snow and road connectivity through the Rohtang Pass gets snapped. Praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a wing of the Defence Ministry, Modi said, "One of our top priorities is to strengthen the international border on all sides." He blamed the previous government in the Centre for deliberately ignoring the projects of strategic importance. "There is nothing more important for us than protecting the country. But the country has also seen a period when the defence interests of the country were compromised." "Even in the case of Atal Tunnel, if the pace of the construction continued as in the previous governments it would have been completed by 2040," Modi, donning a Himachal cap, said. "In the year 2002, Atalji laid the foundation stone of the approach road to the tunnel. "After Atalji`s government, this work was forgotten. The situation was that by 2013-14, only 1,300 meters of the work for the tunnel was completed," said Modi. "Work on Atal Tunnel was accelerated after 2014; in just six years, we completed the work of 26 years." "My brothers and sisters of Himachal Pradesh can understand what it means to reduce the distance of three-four hours on the mountain with the completion of this tunnel," he said.

Atal Tunnel will give new strength to border infrastructure: Modi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region.

The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh.

"This bridge has been completed in record time. It will not only provide all-weather connectivity in the region but also be a strategic asset in the border areas," Singh said in a tweet after inaugurating the bridge.

The Defence Minister said Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism, adding that "better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers".

"The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes," he tweeted. He described the bridge as a symbol of the Centre`s resolve of bringing "positive change and all-round development" of the nation.

"Through initiatives like these, the people of this region will have the opportunity to become part of India`s growth story", he said, according to a Defence Minister release. Terming connectivity as one of the most important aspects of development, the Defence Minister said that new avenues can be opened through people-to-people contact.

Sandwiched between strategic Karakoram and Chang Chenmo ranges, the bridge is 430-metre long at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and has been constructed using micro piling technology.

The construction has been completed in record 15 months.

Col Chewang Rinchen, born on November 11, 1931, at Sumur, Nubra Valley in Ladakh region, is known as the "Lion of Ladakh" for his extraordinary acts of courage in defending Leh and Partapur sector.

"He is one of only six armed forces personnel to have been twice awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest Indian Gallantry Award," the release said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General Ranbir Singh, DG BRO Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were among those present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region. The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region. The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh. "This bridge has been completed in record time. It will not only provide all-weather connectivity in the region but also be a strategic asset in the border areas," Singh said in a tweet after inaugurating the bridge. The Defence Minister said Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism, adding that "better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers". "The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes," he tweeted. He described the bridge as a symbol of the Centre`s resolve of bringing "positive change and all-round development" of the nation. "Through initiatives like these, the people of this region will have the opportunity to become part of India`s growth story", he said, according to a Defence Minister release. Terming connectivity as one of the most important aspects of development, the Defence Minister said that new avenues can be opened through people-to-people contact. Sandwiched between strategic Karakoram and Chang Chenmo ranges, the bridge is 430-metre long at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and has been constructed using micro piling technology. The construction has been completed in record 15 months. Col Chewang Rinchen, born on November 11, 1931, at Sumur, Nubra Valley in Ladakh region, is known as the "Lion of Ladakh" for his extraordinary acts of courage in defending Leh and Partapur sector. "He is one of only six armed forces personnel to have been twice awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest Indian Gallantry Award," the release said. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General Ranbir Singh, DG BRO Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were among those present on the occasion.

Siachen area opens for tourists as Rajnath Singh inaugurates strategic bridge in eastern Ladakh

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday.

The BRO shifted the people from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas of the district to a safe place in a nearby village.

According to Colonel Uma Shanker, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), one person was administered the first aid and shifted to a local hospital. Around 400 tourists are, however, still stuck between the roads in Keylong and Sissu.&nbsp;

"They are at a safe location, but not able to come out of the valley due to heavy rain and flood. Restoration work is underway," Shanker added.

As many as 18 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours due to heavy rains that battered the state.&nbsp;

"Several people have died in Himachal Pradesh in this tragedy. I express my profound grief to those who have suffered and their families," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in a tweet.&nbsp;

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday.

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday. The BRO shifted the people from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas of the district to a safe place in a nearby village. According to Colonel Uma Shanker, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), one person was administered the first aid and shifted to a local hospital. Around 400 tourists are, however, still stuck between the roads in Keylong and Sissu. "They are at a safe location, but not able to come out of the valley due to heavy rain and flood. Restoration work is underway," Shanker added. As many as 18 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours due to heavy rains that battered the state. "Several people have died in Himachal Pradesh in this tragedy. I express my profound grief to those who have suffered and their families," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in a tweet.

Himachal Pradesh: Around 18 dead due to heavy rains, 150 rescued from Lahaul and Spiti district

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

The information was given by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik in a written reply to Congress MP Mohd Ali Khan in the Upper House of Parliament.&nbsp;

Also, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is entrusted with the construction and improvement of 269.05 km of roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 1,514 crore.

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

The Central government has approved 1,377 km of border roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 3,853 crore, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. The information was given by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik in a written reply to Congress MP Mohd Ali Khan in the Upper House of Parliament. Also, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is entrusted with the construction and improvement of 269.05 km of roads along the Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs 1,514 crore.

Central government approves 1,377 km of border roads along Indo-Nepal border