India’s Border Infrastructure Will Remain Vital in Technology-Driven Warfare: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that roads, tunnels, airfields and ports will remain indispensable to military operations even as future warfare becomes increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, precision weapons and advanced platforms.

Addressing the Border Roads Organisation Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on July 16, 2026, he said modern military capability depends on the infrastructure required to move soldiers, weapons, fuel and supplies to operational areas.

Singh described personnel involved in constructing strategic roads as vital guardians of national security and praised BRO for building infrastructure in some of the world’s most difficult terrain.

He highlighted the Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel and the Umling La road as examples of BRO’s engineering capability and growing expertise in high-altitude construction and tunnelling technology.

The Defence Minister said connectivity also supports the development of remote communities by improving access to healthcare, education, markets and government services. He referred to the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to develop border settlements as the country’s first villages.

Director General Border Roads Lieutenant General Harpal Singh said BRO is adopting digital planning, artificial intelligence-enabled solutions, mechanisation and modern construction methods to improve project execution and maintenance.

During the event, Rajnath Singh launched digital platforms for project management and recruitment, presented awards to BRO projects and released three publications documenting the organisation’s achievements and future vision.

The two-day conclave brought together military leaders, policymakers, engineers, industry representatives and academic experts to discuss emerging technologies, sustainable construction and faster development of strategic infrastructure in India’s border regions.

Source: PIB