President lays foundation of Berhampore Military Station

President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday laid the foundation stone of Berhampore Military Station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, hoping the new facility would help to in enhance defence forces' ability to protect India's security interests.

Praising the Indian army for its "very long history of commitment and dedication" in the service of the nation, Mukherjee exuded confidence that the Berhampore Military Station at Nabagram would carry on the glorious tradition.

"The military station is part of the initiative to enhance the capability of our defence forces to safeguard national security interests. It will also benefit people of the adjoining areas by ensuring their economic development and prosperity," the president said.

He saluted the soldiers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Nabagram comes under the Jangipur Lok Sabha constituency, which Mukherjee represented for two terms till he was elected to the nation's highest office in 2012.

Speaking on the occasion, Army chief, Gen. Bikram Singh, said development of military stations in various parts of the country was important for the country's capability development initiatives.

The military station will be developed as a model environment-friendly project by integrating it with the existing topography, natural features and water bodies, he said.

The project, spread over a 250 acre area, will involve an investment of Rs.600 crore. It will be ready by 2018.