The Milestones.
Since its inception in
1960, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully supported security
forces in all conflict situations and also contributed immensely to the
socio-economic development of the nation. Initially started with just two
projects, Beacon in Srinagar and Vartak in Tezpur, with an aim of developing
road infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir and the Eastern region; today, BRO
has expanded to 18 projects and constructed 62,214 km of roads, 1005 bridges,
seven tunnels and 21 airfields all along the land borders.
BRO has equilibrated its
functioning after being placed under MoD in 2015 and certain key reforms
enunciated in 2017. It emerged as a formidable force post Galwan clash by
accelerating its projects along Northern borders under most crucial conditions,
thereby proving its latent capabilities. It
is during this period that BRO registered nine world records and is in the
process of creating three more in next two years, which brought its work in
limelight at the global construction platform. At this stage, it is
essential to not only maintain its newly acquired momentum but also go beyond
assumed capacities.
Galwan Trigger.
The Galwan Valley
clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020 served as an inflection
point for India, highlighting several critical areas requiring immediate
attention and strategic reassessment. The clash was a stark reminder of the
strategic vulnerabilities associated with inadequate border infrastructure. In
the face of an increasingly assertive China, the need for India to rapidly
upgrade its infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) became a
strategic compulsion. The historical oversight by past Governments,
characterized by a lack of focus on border infrastructure, resulted in
inadequate road connectivity, hindering timely mobilization and logistical
support to the troops deployed on the first line of defence. Previous governments
operated under the apprehension of provoking neighbouring countries, treating
border villages merely as buffer zones rather than integral part of the Nation.
The successive Governments since independence operated through an established
narrative that improved roads along the borders could potentially be exploited
by adversary, which was extremely defensive and regressive approach,
effectively stalling the development and accessibility of these critical areas.
Unprecedented Transformation.
Budget Boost. The Galwan standoff between India and
China on the LAC compelled us to give a serious rethink on our funding and
policies regarding border infrastructure development. The Government has
demonstrated remarkable foresight and commitment towards bolstering India's
border infrastructure by responding to this challenge of shrinking the road
head differential with China all along the Northern Borders by enhancing the
budget of BRO incrementally by 160% during last four years. Earlier, from years
on, the budget was constantly pegged at Rs 2000 Cr or so for Army roads, which
resulted in slowing down of ongoing projects due to cost and time overruns. In
the interim budget of 2024-25, Rs 6500 Cr has been allocated for strategic
roads.
Incremental budgetary
support over the last four years, infusion of new technologies and products
besides the latest equipment and machines, worked like a magic potion in
consuming Rs 45238 Cr in the last four years against Rs 45,194 Cr during nine
years of pre-Galwan period.
Revamp of Inventory. The substantial
increase in budget significantly revamped the organization's equipment profile
in a short period. BRO has discarded its old machines and equipment and
significantly upgraded its inventory with the latest machinery including
advanced excavators, wagon/crawler rock drills, and snow cutters, enhancing its
operational readiness and efficiency. The strategic deployment of Chinook
helicopters and other air lift assets has improved access and logistics support
in challenging terrains of Ladakh, Uttarakhand and North East. In a move
towards Atmnirbhar Bharat, a major policy decision was taken to sign a MOU with
the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the production of 60
Double Lane Class 70 modular bridges. These bridges, a first of their kind in
India, are designed for rapid construction and are capable of supporting
two-way traffic, significantly reducing costs to one – third compared to their
imported counterparts. These are engineered to accommodate all kind of military
equipment such as heaviest of tanks, artillery guns, and multi-axle load
carrying trucks. To date, about 30 of these strategically important bridges
have already been constructed at key locations along India's Northern borders,
bolstering the nation's infrastructure and defence readiness.
Class 70 Double
Lane Modular Bridge at Flag Hill
Strategic Surge. Through the enhanced funding and
streamlining of processes during last four years and visionary leadership at
the helm of affairs, BRO has come out of its own shadows of poor quality of
work, slow pace of construction and archaic practices. Improved roads, bridges,
tunnels and airfields near the border areas are not only crucial for the rapid
mobilization of troops, armaments and materials in times of conflict but also
play a vital role in enhancing the living conditions of military personnel
stationed in these remote areas. Additionally, well-developed border
infrastructure serves as a strong deterrent, signalling a nation's readiness to
defend its territory and maintain its sovereignty under all circumstances. This
strategic surge in last mile connectivity all along the LAC by BRO certainly
has conveyed a firm message to China that she no longer is dealing with a weak
willed adversary but a very strong Nation fast rising as a global economic
giant.
Siyom bridge is first signature arch
bridge made by BRO Establishment of connectivity on Niraq –
Chilling stretch on the third axis to Leh
Road
Network Expansion. The
BRO has made monumental advances in constructing roads during last few years
and the rate of construction has impressively increased as compared to
yesteryears. A remarkable highlight is the creation of the world’s highest
motorable road in Ladakh connecting Chisumle to Demchok passing through the
UmlingLa at a breathtaking altitude of 19,024 feet.
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