The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to achieve a monumental milestone as it commences the construction of the highest-altitude fighter airfield in the world, located in the village of Nyoma, Ladakh. The inauguration of this ambitious project is scheduled for September 12, 2023, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the foundation stone ceremony at the Devak Bridge in Jammu. This undertaking underscores BRO’s steadfast dedication to enhancing India’s defense capabilities in a region of immense strategic significance.
Nyoma, situated in the southern part of Ladakh, is home to an Indian Air Force Base within the Leh district and boasts an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) established in 1962. Nyoma’s elevation reaches an impressive 4,180 meters (13,710 feet) above sea level, solidifying its position as one of the highest-altitude locations in the region.
Highlighting the substantial financial commitment from the central government, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that the BRO’s budget has seen remarkable growth over the years. In 2008, it stood at approximately ₹3,000 crore, which increased to ₹5,000-6,000 crore in 2017, and further escalated to ₹8,000 crore in 2019, with continued increases in subsequent years. In the last fiscal year, an impressive ₹12,340 crore was allocated, underscoring the government’s unwavering dedication to strengthening India’s infrastructure in border areas.
Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, the Chief of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), expresses optimism that India is making significant strides in surpassing China in terms of infrastructure development along the extensive 3,488-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC) within the next two to three years. Emphasizing the remarkable speed at which the BRO has progressed, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlights the successful completion of 295 projects, with a cumulative value of ₹11,000 crore, over the past two to three years.