Pune: Border Roads Organisation Sets New Record By Completing 103 Infrastructure Projects In 2022-23, Including Strategic Bridges And Tunnels; Aims Rs 18,000 Crore Budget Next Year

Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 7th May 2023: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) today celebrated its 64th Raising Day at all of its detachments throughout India. The event was marked by the inauguration of the BRO Technical Training Complex and an Automated Driving Track by Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt at GREF Centre on Alandi Road, Vishrantwadi.

The facilities will help enhance the training standards of BRO personnel and prepare them better for various challenges. The main function of the day, the ‘Chief Engineers and Equipment Management Conference,’ was held at the BRO School & Centre in Pune, and the event was attended by various dignitaries.

To automate the functioning of the BRO for smoother and faster output and increased transparency, BRO-centric software was developed as part of the ‘Digital India’ initiative. These software tools include the Recruitment Management System, Electronic Measurement Book & Work Management System, and were launched on the occasion.

An MoU was also signed between the BRO and GRSE to construct indigenous Class 70R Double Lane Modular Bridges, which will help bolster the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces. In addition, to progressively evolve as an organisation, the BRO conceptualised several documents, including a monograph on ‘BRO Vision@2047,’ Compendium on Road Slogans, Improvement & Standardisation of Medical Establishments, Quality Control Labs & Design of Bridges, and Problem Statements for Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), including the use of satellites for monitoring BRO assets.

The Raksha Rajya Mantri unveiled these initiatives, along with the special BRO edition of Sainik Samachar, a fortnightly journal brought out by the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence. The edition comprises the achievements, ongoing projects, and the history of the BRO.

The event witnessed Ajay Bhatt flagging-in ‘Ekta Avam Shradhanjali Abhiyaan,’ a multi-modal expedition, which began on April 10th, 2023, and included all the echelons of the BRO organisation. The expedition saw teams from various border States/Union Territories collecting samples of soil, water from rivers/lakes/water bodies, and local saplings. These were planted by the Raksha Rajya Mantri and others at BRO School & Centre.

In his address, Ajay Bhatt complimented all ranks of BRO for their dedication and hard work, stating that the roads, bridges, and tunnels constructed by them have not only enhanced the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces but have also helped in ensuring socio-economic development of border areas. He also expressed satisfaction at the significant progress in the Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel projects.

The Raksha Rajya Mantri called border area development a top priority of the Government and stated that ‘New India’ is progressing at an unprecedented pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, “We have become the fifth-largest economy and are exporting military equipment to many countries. This ‘New India’ is strong and capable of looking after its interests. We do not and will not bow down to anyone.”

Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry exhorted all ranks to continue working with vigour and dedication. He expressed confidence that the BRO would rise to the emerging challenges in tune with the mantra of ‘We Will Either Find a Way or Make One.’

Over the past 60 years, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed more than 61,000 kilometers of roads, 900 bridges, 4 tunnels, and 19 airfields in challenging conditions along India’s borders and in friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

In the year 2022-23, the BRO set a new record by completing 103 infrastructure projects, including strategic bridges like the Shyok Bridge in Eastern Ladakh and Steel Arch Siyom Bridge of Load Class 70 in Arunachal Pradesh on Along-Yinkiong Road. These significant projects were dedicated to the nation by the Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the past year.