The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) marked its 65th Raising Day on May 7.

An event was organised in New Delhi on the occasion, which was presided over by the defence secretary.

The BRO will soon commence the construction on 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel. Once completed, this tunnel will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft bypassing Mila Tunnel in China at 15,590 ft.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• Raised with just two projects in 1960 — Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the east and Project Beacon in the north, the BRO has today become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 states and three Union Territories. 

• It is now a leading road construction agency under the ministry of defence with a primary role of providing road connectivity to high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas.

• The BRO executes road construction and maintenance works at altitude ranging from 9,000 ft up to 19,000 ft along the northern and western frontiers, primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the armed forces.

• Over the years, the organisation has diversified into the construction of steel bridges, airfields, townships, tunneling works and hydro-electric projects.

• In over six decades, it has constructed over 62,214 kms of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields in adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India’s borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

• In 2023-24, the BRO completed a total of 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore. This includes the construction of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road. The tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently from Itanagar virtually.

• The BRO accomplished the completion of two significant airfield projects namely Bagdogra and Barrackpore, marking yet another milestone in its journey of excellence. 

• The foundation stone for Mudh Airfield Project was laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently. The BRO aims to complete the project within just two working seasons.

• Over the few years, the BRO has witnessed an exponential surge in budget expenditure, marking a remarkable leap forward in capabilities and impact. 

• This increased budgetary support has empowered the organisation to undertake crucial projects, accelerate critical infrastructure development and enhance its operational readiness.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store