Kathua: Ushering in a new revolution in the connectivity of roads and bridges in border areas, Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh today inaugurated the 1000 mtr long Ujh Bridge in Pandori village of Kathua district and dedicated it to the Nation.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitender Singh, Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, Director General Border Roads, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, GOC Gurj Division, Maj Gen Y P Khanduri, IGP Jammu zone, Manish Sinha, DC Kathua, Dr. Rghav Langer, SSP Kathua, Sridhar Patil, Former legislators of Kathua and Hiranagar besides many other Army and Civil administration dignitaries.
Terming construction of Ujh bridge a great achievement by BRO, Defence Minister said that the roads and bridges are the lifeline of any nation and play a vital role in the socio economic development of far flung regions and population.
Rajnath Singh praised BRO personnel for working in the most hostile and the difficult areas, away from their families and rendering commendable services through construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in border areas fulfilling the strategic need of Indian Defence Forces. Reiterating the Central Government`s commitment to the development of connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir area, he said that our Prime Minister is regularly monitoring the progress of these projects and funds are being ensured accordingly.
1000 mtr long Ujh bridge is the longest bridge constructed by BRO and also has the distinction of using technology of pre cast segmental bridge with 60 mtrs span. It has been constructed at a cost of approx Rs. 50 Crore and completed within schedule time. The bridge is located on Parole-Korepunnu-Rajpura road over Ujh river and will provide alternate connectivity along the NH, Defence Minister informed.
Union MoS, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that this bridge will provide alternate connectivity during cross border firing and will make life easier for the villagers in the rainy season. He congratulated to all who were present that their long-pending demand now stands realized.
He further said that apart from this bridge, Community and Individual bunkers in border areas, Seema Bhavan, enhancement in SPOs wages, strengthening VDCs and increasing livestock insurance during border skirmishes were few other initiatives which were undertaken during Rajnath Singh`s previous tenure as Home Minister to facilitate border dwellers.
Lt Gen. Harpal Singh underlined the contribution of BRO to the nation in far flung areas of the country under extremely difficult and harsh conditions. Admiring the contribution of Project Sampark and congratulating all the employees associated with this project, he offered his sincere thanks to the Defence Minister, MoS PMO, Chief of Army Staff and other dignitaries and locals for their support for completion of this project.
