The construction of the 278 km Hapoli-Sarli-Huri road in Arunachal Pradesh's Kurung Kumey district has triggered reverse migration in the region. Huri was air maintained since independence. The population of Huri village had dwindled from 200 to 49 as all the young people migrated to bigger villages or towns in search of better opportunities. After construction of bridge on River Kumey in Jun 2021 and the road in Sep 2021, the people returned to Huri. Today the population has gone upto 300, a primary school has been opened and a Primary Health Centre has come up there. Some of the old people had seen helicopters but never a vehicle in their lives. Moreover, this road has moved our security matrix much closer to LAC making it easier for our troops to reach the conflict points faster in case of any contingency. These developmental activities also strengthen our claim lines in such remote and forward areas.Expanding its reach to the extremities of the country, the BRO recently connected the southernmost point of India with the completion of the North-South Road from Campbell Bay to Indira Point in Great Nicobar Island. This milestone achievement on 24 January 2023, epitomizes BRO's commitment to unifying the country's diverse landscapes and communities.
BRO Karmyogis at Southern most point of India
Dignity and Social Security for CPLs. BRO employs approximately 70,000 casual paid labourers (CPLs) whose efforts are pivotal in executing the daunting tasks in inhospitable terrains. In a transformative move to uplift the living standards of CPLs, the organisation has provided an array of amenities designed to cater to both their professional and personal well-being. Prefabricated shelters, Porta Cabins, and Bio Toilets have been introduced to improve living conditions. Recognising the extreme weather they often face, the BRO has equipped CPLs with Super High-Altitude Clothing, while recreational facilities have been established to bolster morale, leading to increased productivity and the ability to work for extended periods.
This comprehensive welfare approach was bolstered by a landmark decision in January 2024, when the Raksha Mantri approved a term insurance scheme for CPLs. Additionally, in September 2023, a policy was introduced to repatriate the mortal remains of deceased CPLs to their native places and cover funeral expenses, alleviating the burden on their families. Also, Raksha Mantri has approved a proposal to waive the requirement of completing 179 days at the time of accident for the payment of ex-gratia lump sum compensation to CPLs working in BRO. The combined effect of these welfare initiatives has been substantial, fostering a sense of dignity and security among CPLs. This dedicated work force is the best example of providing direct jobs to the people of Border States where BRO is executing its projects. Besides direct jobs BRO is also generating numerous indirect jobs and employment of youth at multiple levels.
Women Empowerment. Initially, women in the BRO found their roles confined to staff appointments, however, the narrative shifted gears towards a more inclusive and empowered framework for women officers on the 8th March 2021, a date now etched in the annals of the organisation's history. The Director General Border Roads (DGBR), on that day, enacted a transformative policy decision to foster a gender-neutral environment aligning with the Indian Government's "Nari Sashaktikaran" initiative. A woman officer was given the command of a Road Construction Company (RCC) responsible for Munshiyari to Milam glacier road in Uttarakhand's rugged Kumaon region in Apr 21. Another woman officer was given command for the construction of roads and bridges in the challenging Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh. Following suit, a woman officer from Army was posted as Officer Commanding of a RCC in Aug 21 at Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, overseeing the development up to the Mana pass - India's second highest pass. This was also made into the first all women RCC where all three platoon commanders were also women officers as well as RCC doctor was also woman officer.
Taking this initiative ahead, a woman officer of the rank of Colonel was appointed as Commander of a Task Force at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh in Feb 23. She became first woman officer to lead a Task Force in BRO. In Jun 23, Col Ponung Doming was selected to head a Task Force at Hanle (15000 ft), Ladakh, which was shifted specially to handle some strategically very important BRO projects.
The contribution of these women officers is paving the way for others to join and excel in BRO. Women empowerment in the BRO is more than a policy; it's a promise of participation, equality, and excellence. This progressive ethos within the BRO serves as a beacon, guiding India's journey towards a future where gender no longer defines capability or destiny.
Research & Development. BRO started two “Centres of Excellence” dealing with ‘Road Safety and Awareness’ and ‘Collation of all data related to Roads, Bridges, Airfields and Tunnels’, which were inaugurated in Jun 2021 by Raksha Mantri.
Centre of Excellence for Road Safety & Awareness started functioning in Jun 2021
Also, BRO is the only Government organisation which has prepared and published “BRO VISION 2047”, its vision document to cover the period of Amrit Kaal. In envisioning future development and reforms, several strategic initiatives have been suggested to enhance the Research and Development (R&D) capabilities of BRO.
Putting India on Global Construction Map. Even amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress of the BRO work did not slacken. Today BRO is performing at its utmost potential and has established nine world records post Galwan including highest road at Umlingla (19024 feet) and Atal Tunnel, the longest tunnel above 10000 feet. BRO today is poised to create four other world records in near future, at the most rugged heights working under the harshest climatic conditions.
● World’s Highest Tunnel. The ShinkunLa tunnel placed at an altitude of 15855 feet will connect 36 villages of Zanskar to 137 villages of Lahaul Spiti and would be world’s highest tunnel beating the record of China’s Mila tunnel (15584 feet).
● World’s Highest Road. BRO started constructing world’s highest road on 15 Aug 23, connecting Likaru - Migla (19400 feet) - Fukche through a distance of 64 kms. The road will break BRO’s own record of Umlingla.
● World’s Highest Fighter Air Base. The work is going on in full swing at Nyoma Air Base which will provide strategic edge to Indian Air Force over China and extend operational and logistics reach of Army in Eastern Ladakh.
● World’s Biggest 3D printed complex. BRO is making world’s biggest 3D printed complex at Chandigarh to facilitate faster and smoother induction of materials, machines and men in Ladakh to accelerate all the crucial strategic projects along LAC.
As these projects on our Northern borders reach completion, the strategic upper hand once enjoyed by China through its rapid infrastructural expansion in TAR is fast being neutralised. The post Galwan surge in border infrastructure development by the BRO has significant strategic implications. It not only enhances India's military preparedness and operational capabilities along the LAC but also serves as a testament to India's commitment to defending its territorial integrity.
Way Ahead
Post Galwan, BRO realigned its priorities to provide last-mile connectivity on the Northern borders, with increased attention to Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The increased visibility to BRO works, providing better living conditions to its CPLs at work sites, and enhancing their social security through major financial schemes, as well as galvanizing the workforce by giving due recognition, awards, and getting long-awaited allowances for working in the most challenging conditions in parity with other forces functioning in similar locations, made a huge impact on work culture and resulted in accelerating the overall work pace.
BRO today, is on upward trajectory on vital indicators of expenditure, speed, quality and transparency. There is compulsive need to maintain the momentum achieved through effective steering and continuous internal reforms. Demonstrating exceptional skills in various construction sectors, BRO is emerging as a source of inspiration within the global construction industry. The world records achieved by BRO are more than engineering marvels; these symbolize the human grit and resilience, cutting edge leadership and government foresight and support.
The journey of BRO is a testament to India's unwavering commitment to its border regions. By consolidating efforts and embracing long term policy reforms to simplify processes and reconfigure its structures, BRO can shrink the infrastructure differential on our Northern borders to bring parity with China in next five years, subject to assured fund flow and easing out on bureaucratic control on its everyday functioning.
As BRO continues to carve pathways through the mountains and valleys, it not only connects territories but also bridges the gap between ambition and reality, resilience and progress, duty and compassion. In its relentless pursuit to bolster India's defence capabilities and socio-economic development, the BRO has emerged not just as an organisation but as a robust symbol of India's fortitude, ingenuity and unwavering spirit which is Connecting Places, Connecting People...
Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry was commissioned into Corps of Engineers in Dec 1983. After serving for nearly 40 years he retired on 30 Sep 2023. During his last assignment of DGBR, he doubled the pace of work to meet stringent targets post Galwan clash and worked to get an incremental budget allocation of 160% for GS roads during his tenure. He infused at least 18 new technologies and procured the latest machines and equipment to enhance speed and quality of projects. He brought transparency in expenditure through increased use of GeM and ensured timely payments to the firms (90% of payments were made within nine days) for which BRO was awarded Gold Certificate for two consecutive years. He also ensured desired dignity, social security and visibility to the unsung BRO Karmyogis.
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