The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commemorated its 65th Raising Day on May 7th, 2024, with a grand event held in New Delhi.
Presided over by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, the ceremony served as a tribute to the organization’s unwavering dedication and commitment to nation-building, particularly in inhospitable terrains and challenging weather conditions.
Addressing the gathering, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane applauded the BRO for its indispensable role in enhancing border infrastructure and ensuring the security and socio-economic progress of remote areas.
He hailed the organization’s track record of completing projects in a timely manner and urged for the infusion of latest technology and techniques to expedite project completion while reducing human efforts.
The Defence Secretary also lauded the BRO’s invaluable contribution to relief and rescue efforts during critical incidents such as the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse and the Sikkim Floods.
He emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in the Vibrant Villages Programme, aimed at comprehensive development of select border villages, underscoring its multifaceted role beyond infrastructure development.
Director General of Border Roads, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, extended warm greetings to all ranks of the BRO, highlighting the organization’s pan-India presence and its profound impact on national security, connectivity, and development.
He emphasized the significance of the organization’s tagline, “In the Silence of Our Great Mountains – Work Speaks,” which epitomizes its dedication and perseverance in serving the nation.
As part of the event, a compendium on the Sela Tunnel and several books were unveiled by the Defence Secretary, showcasing the organization’s achievements and contributions.
Excellence Awards were presented to BRO personnel for their outstanding performance in the year 2023-24, with special recognition accorded to women achievers and casual paid laborers who contributed significantly to various projects.
Since its inception with just two projects in 1960, the BRO has evolved into a dynamic organization with 18 projects operating in 11 states and three union territories.
It has established itself as a premier infrastructure construction agency, undertaking projects in high-altitude and snow-bound areas critical for national security.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the BRO completed a total of 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
The organization aims to commence construction on the Shinkun La Tunnel, which, upon completion, will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft, surpassing China’s Mila Tunnel.
The BRO’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity was also highlighted, with women officers such as Col Ponung Doming leading critical projects in Eastern Ladakh and Assistant Executive Engineer Smt Nikita Chaudhary playing a pivotal role in the successful completion of the Sela Tunnel Project.
With an exponential surge in budget expenditure and increased support from the government, the BRO is poised to undertake crucial projects, accelerate infrastructure development, and enhance its operational readiness, reaffirming its dedication to serving the nation with excellence and integrity.
