Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on July 16, 2026, emphasizing that ports, airfields, roads, and tunnels will continue to play an indispensable role in future warfare despite the induction of state-of-the-art weapons and platforms. He stated that while military prowess, precision capabilities, and modern technologies determine war outcomes, basic infrastructure remains central to enabling military operations, noting that "the first front of a war is not at the border itself, but on the road that leads our soldiers to the frontline."
The Raksha Mantri commended BRO for transforming from a mere road construction agency to one of the world's most respected strategic infrastructure organizations over six and a half decades, specifically highlighting achievements such as Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass, and Sela Tunnel as testaments to BRO's capability. He praised BRO's adoption of niche technologies, particularly tunneling technology, which has enabled revolution from metro construction in cities to highway development in mountainous regions, calling the construction speed in challenging terrains "a reflection of the combined strength of human resolve and modern technology."
Shri Rajnath Singh described connectivity as an essential component of civilisational development and reaffirmed the government's resolve to provide all forms of connectivity through roads, rail, air, and digital infrastructure. He acknowledged that post-independence infrastructure focus didn't match the nation's capabilities and requirements, but stated the government has ensured no citizen in remote areas feels cut off from mainstream, with border villages being developed under the 'Vibrant Village Programme' from "last villages" to "first villages." He asserted that infrastructure development is a collective effort requiring industry innovation, academic research, engineering solutions, and administrative implementation.
Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Harpal Singh emphasized that strategic capability is now determined by intelligent planning, rapid execution, effective monitoring, and sustainable maintenance rather than just construction. He stated BRO has embarked on organizational transformation driven by technology, innovation, and institutional reforms, with emphasis on digital planning, AI-enabled solutions, modern construction methodologies, mechanization, and stronger collaboration with industry and academia to build resilient and future-ready strategic infrastructure.
During the event, Raksha Mantri presented awards to various BRO Projects for outstanding performance and excellence in infrastructure development, and launched two digital platforms for Project Management and Recruitment as part of BRO's digital transformation and organizational modernization. He also released three flagship BRO publications - 'Path Pradarshak', 'Oonchi Sadken', and 'Path Vikas' - documenting the Organization's achievements, engineering innovations, best practices, and future vision, while unveiling the BRO Anthem as tribute to BRO personnel.
The two-day conclave (July 15-16, 2026) served as a platform for deliberations on emerging technologies, innovative engineering solutions, digital transformation in planning, project monitoring and execution to improve productivity, sustainable construction methodologies, and best practices for accelerating strategic infrastructure development in India's border regions. It brought together senior military leadership, policymakers, infrastructure experts, BRO officers, industry leaders, and technology partners to deliberate on strategic infrastructure development under the theme 'Enhancing Capability through Technology, Innovation and Execution Excellence.' The conclave featured thematic sessions covering the complete lifecycle of strategic infrastructure development from planning and design to execution, monitoring, and technology adoption, plus an industry interaction session with infrastructure companies, equipment manufacturers, academia, and technology partners showcasing specialized expertise and advanced equipment for BRO's unique operational environment.