Ladakh| India today marked a significant milestone in border infrastructure as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually dedicated 125 strategic projects to the nation from Ladakh. Among them was the long-awaited Galwan War Memorial, inaugurated without a single direct reference to China, even as the memorial honours the 20 Indian soldiers who were killed in the 2020 clash in eastern Ladakh.
The ceremony was held near the newly built Shyok Tunnel, where the Defence Minister addressed the nation through a video link. During the event, he paid homage to the fallen soldiers, noting that the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
Honouring Galwan’s Heroes
In a symbolic gesture, Lt. Gen. Hitesh Bhalla, GOC of the Indian Army’s 14 Corps, presented the Defence Minister with a memento crafted from a stone brought from the very site of the Galwan Valley clash. Rajnath Singh said the memorial would serve as a constant reminder of the bravery of the 20 soldiers who laid down their lives defending India’s borders.
Despite the emotional resonance of the occasion, the Defence Minister refrained from mentioning China in his speech, choosing instead to focus on the fortitude and resilience of Indian troops.
Shyok Tunnel Inaugurated: All-Weather Access to the Forward Areas
One of the highlights of the day was the opening of the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel along the crucial Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road. Singh hailed the tunnel as a major boost to India’s operational preparedness, ensuring year-round connectivity in a region where winter temperatures can plunge to –30°C and frequent avalanches often block access.
He emphasized that reliable connectivity is no longer limited to bridges and roads—it is the backbone of national security, logistics, economic activity, and civilian life. Enhanced infrastructure, he said, empowers faster troop movement, strengthens border defence, and opens new opportunities for local communities.
Operation Sindoor Highlighted
Rajnath Singh also recalled Operation Sindoor, conducted after the terror attack in Pahalgam, noting that strong connectivity, real-time communication, satellite support, and timely logistics were crucial to the operation’s swift success. He said the mission demonstrated India’s determination to protect its citizens and soldiers under any circumstances.
Infrastructure Push Across the Borders
The Defence Minister commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for completing high-altitude projects despite harsh weather and treacherous terrain. BRO Director General Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan added that the projects—built using indigenous technology and teamwork—carry immense strategic and socio-economic value.
The 125 dedicated projects include 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four specialised works spread across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Mizoram.
The event also featured the dedication of a 3D-printed HAD complex in Chandigarh, and important roads in the Northeast, including the Sela–Chabrela–Bje Gompa Road and the Shangeystar–Sululla Road.
India’s Defence Production Surges
Highlighting the gains under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, Singh said India’s domestic defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in the past decade, while defence exports have climbed to nearly ₹25,000 crore. These figures, he said, reflect global trust in India’s defence capabilities.
World’s Highest War Memorial at 14,500 Feet
Constructed at an altitude of 14,500 feet, the Galwan War Memorial is now the highest war memorial in the world. Built under extreme weather conditions, the site often witnesses sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen levels, making its completion a remarkable engineering feat.
The memorial features a central pillar shaped like a trishul and damru, symbolising strength and protection. The complex includes bronze statues of the fallen soldiers, a digital gallery, a museum, and an auditorium showcasing accounts of the Galwan clash and personal stories of the 20 martyrs.
Tourism and Local Development Around the Memorial
To enhance visitor experience and promote tourism in the region, BRO has developed new facilities including the ‘Tiles & View Café’ at km 23, another café at km 56, and a ‘Bravehearts Display’ at the memorial site. A souvenir shop, selfie point, and a scale model of the memorial have also been created for visitors. Plans are underway to facilitate guided visits to areas close to the Line of Actual Control to deepen public understanding of the region’s strategic importance.
