Bolstering national security, Rajnath Singh inaugurates Sisseri River bridge providing employment and connectivity

Itanagar, November 15: Calling to bolster the border infrastructure, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said that national security is the top most priority of the government. Inaugurating the Sisseri River bridge at Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, Rajnath Singh asserted that the 200-metre long bridge between Jonai-Pasighat-Ranaghat-Roing road will provide connectivity between Dibang Valley and Siang. This will help in completing the long-pending demand of the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it would cut down the travel time from Pasighat to Roing by about five hours.

 

Speaking to the masses after inauguration, Raksha Mantri said, the Government has adopted the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in its plan keeping in view security of the people residing in the border areas. “Infrastructural upgradation is necessary for the security of the North-East and the entire country,” he added. He also said that the government has initiated numerous infrastructure projects in the state. He listed out various projects, including the proposed Bhalukpong – Tenga - Tawang railway line, operationalisation of Pasighat airport, nod to Hollongi airport and approval to construct Sela Pass tunnel, reaffirming their commitment to establish a strong and efficient roadways, railways, airways, waterways and digital network in the region.

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the decision to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), keeping in mind the economic interests of the country, especially the North-East. “You must have seen that during the ASEAN summit in Bangkok recently, our PM took a very important decision that India will not be a part of RCEP… Farmers, labourers, factories and industries would have got affected had India joined the RCEP. This is a big decision,” he said.

This bridge is also strategically important from military view point and will be a part of Trans Arunachal Highway. Raksha Mantri said, the bridge will play an important role in the overall development adding that it would open more avenues in the fields of employment, trade & tourism. The Raksha Mantri also commended BRO for constructing and maintaining roads and bridges in the border areas all over the country and meeting the strategic needs of the Armed Forces. There are four projects of BRO in the state namely Vartak, Arunank, Brahmank and Udayak working relentlessly to meet the strategic requirement of the nation and also immensely contributing in the socio-economic development of the region.