Infrastructure development along the India-China border has been pivotal in enhancing connectivity and supporting military readiness in this strategically sensitive region.
On 3 January 2023, India’s Defence Minister dedicated 28 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation, valued at ₹724 crore, located in Arunachal Pradesh.
This report compiles 18 significant infrastructure developments from 2014 to 2024, highlighting BRO’s continuous efforts to strengthen the India-China border region, particularly in the Northeast.
#1 Bailey Bridge In Sikkim
On 18 September 2024, the BRO completed the construction of a new Bailey bridge at Zeem in North Sikkim. This bridge restored road connectivity to the China border along the Lachen Valley. Construction was completed in under a month, finishing on 16 September 2024. It facilitates logistics for the local population and armed forces while boosting tourism by providing access to the major tourist destination, Gurdongmarg Lake.
#2 World’s Longest Bi-lane Sela Tunnel
On 9 March 2024, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, built at a cost of ₹825 crore under the BRO. This tunnel enables continuous movement of military personnel and equipment, providing a significant logistical advantage for India’s regional military operations. It is part of the government’s broader initiatives to boost economic growth and improve living standards in the northeastern region.
#3 35 Border Road Projects In Arunachal Pradesh
On 19 January 2024, the Defence Minister inaugurated 35 infrastructure projects developed by the BRO, valued at ₹670 crore, including 29 bridges and six roads. These projects span across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh, promoting connectivity to the borders and stimulating socio-economic development in these regions.
#4 Nechipu Tunnel In Arunachal Pradesh
On 12 September 2023, the Defence Minister inaugurated the strategically important Nechipu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. Located near the Nechipu Pass along the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, this tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region, improving access along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It addresses visibility challenges caused by dense fog, making movement easier for civilians and military personnel.
#5 Bailey Bridge in Anjaw District
On 25 August 2023, the Indian Army, in coordination with the BRO and local officials, inaugurated a 120-foot Bailey bridge in Chaglohagam Circle, Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh. This bridge facilitates smooth movement for Indian Army troops and the local population along the Indo-China border.
#6 BRO India Project Arunank – Modular Bridge
On 11 June 2023, the Border Roads Organisation’s Project Arunank completed the construction of a challenging 160-foot modular bridge across the Tsari Chu River in Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge was completed in just five days and connects the region with the rest of the country.
#AnotherAchievement#MazaConnected@BROindia Project Arunank accomplished construction of a challenging 160-feet class 40 modular
bridge across the furious
River Tsari Chu in just five days, thereby effectively connecting Maza in Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of the nation.… pic.twitter.com/26lOo6WDCh— 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@BROindia) June 11, 2023
#7 Defence Minister Dedicates 28 Infrastructure Projects
On 3 January 2023, the Defence Minister dedicated 28 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation worth ₹724 crore in Arunachal Pradesh. These projects included 22 bridges, including the Siyom Bridge, and three roads. The Siyom Bridge, with its 100-meter Class-70 steel arch superstructure, enables the movement of heavy vehicles, including armoured columns and artillery, enhancing military readiness in the region.
#8 BRO Constructs 3,097 km Roads In Arunachal Pradesh
On 16 December 2022, the BRO announced the completion of 64 roads spanning 3,097 km in Arunachal Pradesh. In the last five years, 257 roads have been constructed across various states and Union Territories, significantly improving access in remote border regions and supporting local development.
#9 Defence Minister Inaugurates 75 Projects
On 28 October 2022, the Defence Minister inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects across India, including 45 bridges, 27 highways, two helipads, and one carbon-neutral habitat. These projects, spanning six states and two Union Territories, strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and contribute to economic development in border areas.
#10 Simang Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh
On 28 June 2021, the Defence Minister dedicated the 165-meter-long Simang Bridge at Boleng on the Along-Yingkiong road in Arunachal Pradesh, constructed by the BRO. Along with three other regional bridges, the Simang Bridge enhances connectivity and supports military and civilian movement.
#11 Kimin-Potin Road In Arunachal Pradesh
On 17 June 2021, the Defence Minister inaugurated a 20-km double-lane road in Kimin, Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of state leaders. The project also involved e-dedication of 12 new roads, improving connectivity across several border states and Union Territories.
#12 Daporijo Bridge Over Subansiri River
On 24 April 2020, the Border Roads Organisation completed the Daporijo Bridge over the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge links the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The bridge supports the movement of supplies and troops, aiding around 3,000 personnel deployed along the LAC.
#13 Rabung Bridge In Upper Siang District
On 16 December 2019, the Border Roads Task Force inaugurated the Rabung Bridge in Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. This strategically important bridge improves connectivity to border areas and posts at Gelling and Bishing, enhancing access to the region for military and civilian purposes.
#14 Sisseri River Bridge In Arunachal Pradesh
On 15 November 2019, the Defence Minister inaugurated the 200-meter-long Sisseri River Bridge at Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge is part of the Trans-Arunachal Highway and significantly shortens the travel time from Pasighat to Roing by about five hours.
#15 Road Link To China Border Established
On 17 March 2018, the BRO created history by establishing a road link to India’s border with China beyond Limeking, covering the Tama Chung Chung-Taksing Axis. This historic road connection, covering approximately 80 kilometers, marks a significant milestone since the 1962 India-China war.
#16 Defence Road To China Border Completed
On 4 September 2017, the BRO completed a 71.3 km long defence road in Kurung Kumey, Arunachal Pradesh, leading to the China border. The road supports military movements and aids in the socio-economic development of the local villages.
#17 Tame Chung Chung Village Finally Connected
On 16 April 2016, the BRO completed the construction of a road to Tame Chung Chung village, Arunachal Pradesh, under Project Arunank. This road will open the village to development and improve connectivity in the region.
#18 Roing-Hunli-Anini Road Completed
On 26 May 2014, the Border Roads Organisation completed the facelift of the 230-km Roing-Hunli-Anini road in Arunachal Pradesh. The upgraded road supports military deployment and strengthens the region’s socio-economic infrastructure, with plans for further improvements in connectivity.
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