India's Border Areas To Become Models Of Development: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Our commitment to transforming India's border regions into hubs of growth and security is affirmed, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Border Area Development Conclave.

Rajnath Singh emphasised that the border villages should not be seen as remote areas but as the "first villages" of the country, underlining their strategic importance for both security and development.

Singh highlighted the remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past decade, crediting the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for building over 8,500 kilometres of roads and 400 permanent bridges in these regions. Major projects like the Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel, and the upcoming Shinku-La Tunnel—the world's highest—are set to be key milestones. Singh further stressed the importance of the 220 KV Srinagar-Leh electricity line, connecting Ladakh's border areas to the national electricity grid. Over 1,500 villages now have high-speed internet, thanks to the Bharat-Net broadband project.

The Defence Minister said that while military readiness is a priority, these developments also enhance the quality of life for border residents, linking them to the rest of the country. He credited the joint efforts of central and state governments, the Indian Army, and BRO for making reverse migration possible in areas like Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, where infrastructure development has sparked economic revival.

Special focus was also given to tourism as a driving force for development. Rajnath Singh said that a 30 per cent increase in tourist footfall in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh from 2020 to 2023, with Kashmir also witnessing a resurgence. This surge in tourism is creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. The Vibrant Villages programme aims to transform villages in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh into model villages by boosting infrastructure and connectivity.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the Army's contributions, from infrastructure to humanitarian support, underscoring the "Whole of Nation Approach" in transforming border regions. Dwivedi emphasised the importance of infrastructure development, disaster management, and green initiatives, calling border area development a core component of national security.

The conclave, jointly organised by the Indian Army, government ministries and the Arunachal Pradesh government, outlined a roadmap for sustainable development in border areas. Key goals include improving infrastructure, boosting communication networks and promoting civil-military cooperation to enhance both security and regional prosperity.