SHIMLA:Union Defemce Minister, Rajnath Singh dedicated 44 permanent major bridges to the
nation and also laid foundation stone of Nechipu tunnel through video conferencing from New
Delhi on Monday. During the occasion he said that all these bridges would go a long way in providing
better connectivity to the border areas of the country.
Out of these total 44 bridges inaugurated, two bridges were in Himachal Pradesh which
includes Darcha Barsi Bridge on the Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway. The bridge, spanning 360 meter
runs over Bhaga River at Darcha and is the second longest bridge in the country. This bridge has
been constructed at the cost of Rs. 27.25 crore. Besides improving the flow of traffic, the new
bridge, would prove helpful in increased load carrying ability.
Darcha is located in Lahaul region, about 33 kms ahead of Keylong, at a height of 11020 ft,
which is the last permanent settlement on this route in the state. The project has been accomplished
by 70 Road Construction Company of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Another bridge dedicated today by Union Raksha Mantri is 110 meter Palchan bridge
constructed over Beas river on Manali-Solang-Leh highway. This bridge has been constructed by
spending an amount of Rs. 12.83 crore.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur joined the event from his official residence Oakover.
Chief Ministers of Arnunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttrakhand, Lt. Governor of Jammu
Kashmir also joined the event from their respective states.
Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Chief Engineer BRO Brig.M.S. Baghi and
Col. J.S. Bargoti were present at Shimla, whereas Education Minister Govind Thakur and Member of
Parliament Ram Swaroop Sharma joined the event through video conference.