Ushering in a new era in undertaking Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra and border area connectivity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a special event inaugurated the road link from Dharchula (Uttarakhand) to Lipulekh (China Border). Singh also flagged off a convoy of vehicles from Pithoragarh to Gunji through video conferencing.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a special vision for the development of remote areas.
He further said with the completion of this crucial road link, the decades old dreams and aspirations of local people and pilgrims have been fulfilled. He expressed confidence that local trade and economic growth in the region would receive a boost with the operationalisation of this roadway.
Recalling that pilgrimage to Kailash-Manasarovar has been sacred and revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Singh said with the completion of this road link, the yatra could be completed in one week compared to 2-3 weeks it took earlier.
While congratulating the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) engineers and personnel whose dedication made this achievement possible, the Defence Minister mourned the loss of lives during the construction of this road. He praised the contribution of BRO personnel who live-in far-off places, and away from their families, that too in difficult times of COVID-19.
Singh said that BRO has been actively involved in the development of Garhwal as well as Kumaon region of Uttrakhand since beginning. He also congratulated all the BRO personnel for their role in nation building and conveyed his good wishes to all ranks of the organisation for this achievement.