Border infrastructure will remain critical in technology-driven warfare: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI: Even as armed forces increasingly induct cutting-edge weapons, precision systems and advanced technologies, border infrastructure will continue to play an indispensable role in future warfare, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, stressing that roads, tunnels, airfields and ports remain fundamental to military preparedness and operational success.

Addressing the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said that while military prowess and technological superiority shape the outcome of modern conflicts, robust infrastructure forms the backbone of defence operations.

“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,” he said.

Highlighting BRO’s growing role in national security, Singh said the organisation is embracing niche technologies to develop world-class infrastructure in support of the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He noted that over the past six-and-a-half decades, BRO has evolved from a road construction agency into one of the world’s leading strategic infrastructure organisations.

Citing engineering landmarks such as the Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass, and Sela Tunnel, the Defence Minister said these projects demonstrate BRO’s capability to deliver critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

Calling BRO a frontrunner in adopting advanced construction technologies, Singh highlighted tunnelling technology as a transformative innovation that has revolutionised infrastructure development—from metro rail systems in cities to highways in mountainous regions. He said the organisation’s rapid execution of strategic road projects reflects the synergy between human determination and technological advancement.

Connectivity key to national development

Describing connectivity as the foundation of civilisational progress, Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding road, rail, air and digital infrastructure across the country, particularly in remote border areas.

“We have ensured that no citizen residing in a remote area feels cut off from the mainstream. Border villages, once regarded as the last villages, are now being developed as the country’s first villages under the Vibrant Village Programme,” he said.

He added that the infrastructure being created today would shape India’s development trajectory for the next century and beyond.

Industry, academia urged to drive innovation

The Raksha Mantri called for greater collaboration between government, industry, academia and engineers to create an ecosystem focused on innovation, research and execution excellence for developing future-ready strategic infrastructure.

Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Harpal Singh said strategic capability today is determined not merely by the infrastructure built but by the ability to plan intelligently, execute rapidly, monitor efficiently and maintain assets sustainably. He said BRO is undergoing organisational transformation through digital planning, AI-enabled solutions, mechanisation, modern construction practices and stronger collaboration with industry and academia.

During the conclave, Rajnath Singh presented awards to high-performing BRO projects and launched two digital platforms for project management and recruitment to strengthen the organisation’s digital transformation. He also released three publications – Path Pradarshak, Oonchi Sadken, and Path Vikas – documenting BRO’s achievements, engineering innovations and future vision. The BRO Anthem was also unveiled in tribute to its personnel.

The two-day conclave, which began on July 15, brought together senior military leaders, policymakers, infrastructure experts, industry representatives and technology partners to deliberate on emerging technologies, digital transformation, sustainable construction practices and innovative engineering solutions under the theme “Enhancing Capability through Technology, Innovation and Execution Excellence.”