
HT Exclusive: Galwan river bridge that China tried to stop in Ladakh is complete, says official
Army engineers have completed a 60-metre bridge over Galwan river in eastern Ladakh that would consolidate India’s hold of the sensitive sector by allowing Indian infantry to move across the cold mountain river and also protect the 255 km strategic road from Darbuk to Daulat Beg Oldie, the last military post just south of the Karakoram Pass, top officials told Hindustan Times. The bridge was built by the formation engineers despite the PLA showing hostile moves in the area in an effort to force Indian Army to abandon the project.
The construction of the strategic bridge was seen as one of the triggers for the aggressive maneuvers by China’s People’s Liberation Army in eastern Ladakh that led to the stand-off between the two countries before Western Theatre Command of PLA made an “exaggerated” claim to the entire Galwan river Valley.
A senior government official said the bridge was completed on Thursday, signalling that the border infrastructure upgrade projects being executed by the formation engineers and the Border Roads Organisation will continue despite the PLA’s attempts to stall them.
The four-span bridge is located three kilometres east of the Shyok river-Galwan river confluence with the contested Patrolling Point 14 a further 2 km east of the Bailey bridge. Patrolling point 14, which was the site of the June 15 fisticuffs, is close to the Y-junction where the Galwan rivulet joins the main river. An Indian army base camp, called ‘120 km camp’ is on the confluence of the two rivers and next to the DSDBO road.
“We did not pause work on this bridge through the stand-off and kept working despite the violent face-off on June 15,” a senior army officer said.
Also Watch | Explained: Amid Ladakh clash, India to cancel Chinese firm’s deal for poor work
The Chinese tall claim of holding the entire Galwan river valley is an attempt to reduce the Indian claim line to the Shyok river. If this happens, then the Chinese can overrun the DSDBO road in times of hostility and cut the road to Dault Beg Oldie. This will allow them to open another road to Pakistan via Murgo, the last Indian village before DBO.
The Bailey bridge built on concrete pillars gives India a major advantage in terms of access and military mobilisation and is considered vital to protection of indian strategic interests. With Indian Army vehicles now being able to cross the Galvan River, the troops now have other military options available against the aggressive PLA in case of worst case scenario. The bridge replaces a footbridge on the Galwan River.

J&K Congress loses 2 imp municipal bodies in Kashmir as leaders join Apni Party
- With Shah’s entry, the Apni party now has a foothold in south Kashmir's urban areas of Anantnag town.

News updates from HT: Free Covid-19 vaccine in govt facilities, says Sisodia

Over 20 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in a day: Health Ministry

PM Modi inaugurates 'Maitri Setu' between India and Bangladesh
- ‘Maitri Setu’ bridge which spans 1.9 kilometres joining Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, has been built over Feni river which flows between Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.

Free Covid-19 vaccine for all in govt facilities: Sisodia in Delhi Budget 2021

Parliament LIVE updates: Both Houses adjourned after ruckus over fuel prices

DRDO develops AIP technology, Indian subs to be more silent and lethal
- A boost for Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign, AIP-fitted submarines remain sub-surface for a longer period and are quieter than nuclear-powered submarines.

Inordinate delay in processing of H-4 work authorisation, say spouses of H-1B

Ministries to highlight CVC role while approaching UPSC to discipline officers

Farmers' protest: MHA extends CAPF companies deployment in Delhi till March 15

Bombay HC to hear plea seeking suspension of Kangana's Twitter account

LIVE: ₹16,377 cr allocated for education, Delhi govt to open virtual schools
- Among the key highlights, the budget is expected to have a special allocation for free Covid-19 vaccination at Delhi government hospitals.

'All set...': Manish Sisodia to present Delhi's first paperless budget

Andhra Pradesh govt to bring gender, child budget from financial year 2021-22
- The Gender Budget Statement is proposed to be prepared in two parts. Part A- reflecting schemes that are 100% targeted towards women and girl beneficiaries; and Part B- reflecting Pro-women and girl schemes in which 30 to 99% allocations are towards women and girls.

Time to review 50% cap on quota? Supreme Court asks states
- If the Supreme Court's five-judge bench accepts that the judgment in Indra Sawhney case should be modified, the case will have to be referred to an 11-judge bench.