Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that strategic infrastructure will continue to play an indispensable role in future technology-driven warfare, emphasising that roads, tunnels, airfields and ports remain fundamental enablers of military operations despite rapid advancements in modern weapon systems and military technologies. Addressing the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on July 16, 2026, he underscored the vital contribution of infrastructure development towards strengthening national security and realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Highlighting the evolving character of warfare, the Raksha Mantri stated that while state-of-the-art weapons, precision strike capabilities and advanced military platforms are increasingly shaping contemporary battlefields, the significance of strategic infrastructure remains undiminished. He observed that military success is determined not only by combat capabilities but also by the quality and accessibility of the infrastructure that supports operational deployments and sustains military effectiveness.
“Sometimes, the first front of a war is not at the border itself, but on the road that leads our soldiers to the frontline. Therefore, the person who builds that road is as vital a guardian of national security as the soldier who stands at the border,” Rajnath Singh remarked while commending the Border Roads Organisation for its contribution to strengthening India’s strategic capabilities through innovative infrastructure development.
The Raksha Mantri praised BRO’s adoption of niche and emerging technologies in developing world-class strategic infrastructure across some of the country’s most challenging terrains. He noted that the organisation continues to play a crucial role in advancing the Government’s commitment towards strengthening national security while contributing significantly to India’s long-term developmental aspirations.
Tracing the organisation’s remarkable journey over the past six and a half decades, Rajnath Singh observed that the BRO has evolved from being a road construction agency into one of the world’s most respected strategic infrastructure organisations. He highlighted landmark achievements such as the Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass and the Sela Tunnel as enduring symbols of the organisation’s engineering excellence, technological capabilities and unwavering dedication under extremely demanding operational conditions.
Acknowledging the invaluable contribution of BRO personnel, he stated that their commitment to national service has repeatedly demonstrated that even the most formidable geographical and environmental challenges can be overcome through determination, innovation and professional excellence.
The Raksha Mantri described BRO as a frontline organisation in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, making particular reference to tunnelling technologies that have revolutionised infrastructure development across both urban and mountainous regions. He noted that the unprecedented speed at which BRO constructs roads, highways and strategic assets across difficult terrains is reflective of the successful integration of human ingenuity and technological advancement.
Emphasising the broader significance of connectivity in nation-building, Rajnath Singh described it as an essential component of civilisational development. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards ensuring comprehensive connectivity through road, rail, air and digital infrastructure across the country. He observed that substantial efforts are being undertaken to ensure that no citizen residing in remote areas feels disconnected from the national mainstream.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted initiatives such as the Vibrant Village Programme, which seeks to transform India’s border villages from being perceived as the nation’s last villages into its first villages. He remarked that the infrastructure being created today will continue to shape India’s developmental trajectory and civilisation for generations to come, underscoring the strategic and societal importance of sustained investments in infrastructure development.
Calling for a collaborative approach towards nation-building, Rajnath Singh stressed that infrastructure development extends beyond governmental responsibility and requires meaningful contributions from industry, academia, engineers and administrators. He urged all stakeholders to foster an ecosystem of excellence driven by innovation, research and effective implementation, enabling the country to develop resilient and future-ready infrastructure capabilities.
Director General Border Roads, Lieutenant General Harpal Singh, also addressed the conclave and highlighted the changing parameters of strategic capability in the contemporary era. He stated that strategic infrastructure is no longer evaluated solely on the basis of what is built, but increasingly on how intelligently projects are planned, how rapidly they are executed, how effectively they are monitored and how sustainably infrastructure assets are maintained throughout their lifecycle.
Lt Gen Harpal Singh emphasised that the Border Roads Organisation has embarked upon a transformative journey driven by technological innovation, organisational reforms and institutional modernisation. He noted that significant emphasis is being placed on digital planning mechanisms, artificial intelligence-enabled solutions, mechanised construction methodologies and enhanced collaboration with industry and academia to build resilient strategic infrastructure capable of addressing future requirements.
During the event, the Raksha Mantri presented awards to various BRO projects in recognition of their outstanding performance and excellence in infrastructure development. He also launched two digital platforms dedicated to Project Management and Recruitment, marking another significant milestone in the organisation’s digital transformation efforts.
Further underscoring BRO’s commitment to innovation and institutional excellence, Rajnath Singh released three flagship publications—’Path Pradarshak’, ‘Oonchi Sadken’ and ‘Path Vikas’—which document the organisation’s engineering achievements, best practices, technological innovations and future vision for strategic infrastructure development. The BRO Anthem was also unveiled as a tribute to the unwavering commitment, indomitable spirit and selfless service of the organisation’s Karamyogis.
The two-day Strategic Infrastructure Conclave, which commenced on July 15, brought together senior military leaders, policymakers, infrastructure experts, industry representatives, technology partners and BRO personnel to deliberate upon emerging technologies and future-oriented approaches to strategic infrastructure development. The thematic sessions covered the complete lifecycle of infrastructure projects, including planning, design, execution, monitoring, sustainability and the adoption of advanced technologies aimed at improving productivity and accelerating development in India’s border regions.
Organised around the theme “Enhancing Capability through Technology, Innovation and Execution Excellence,” the conclave emphasised that future strategic infrastructure must be developed not merely by working harder, but by working smarter through the effective integration of technology, innovation and professional excellence. The discussions reflected India’s growing commitment to building resilient, technologically advanced and strategically significant infrastructure that will continue to strengthen both national security and economic development in the decades ahead.
