64th Raising Day: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 64th Raising Day on Sunday at all its detachments across the country. The main function ‘Chief Engineers and Equipment Management Conference’ was organised at BRO School & Centre in Pune, which was graced by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt. To mark the day, the Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurated the BRO Technical Training Complex and an Automated Driving Track at the premises. These facilities will enhance the training standards of the BRO personnel and help them to be better prepared for various challenges.
BRO-centric software, developed as part of ‘Digital India’ initiative, were also launched on the occasion. These software – Recruitment Management System, Electronic Measurement Book & Work Management System – have been developed to automate various aspects of functioning of the BRO for smoother & faster output and increased transparency.
In addition, an MoU was signed between the BRO and GRSE for construction of indigenous Class 70R Double Lane Modular Bridges. These bridges will help in bolstering the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.
In order 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 use of satellites for monitoring BRO assets. These were also unveiled by the Raksha Rajya Mantri, along with the special BRO edition of Sainik Samachar, a fortnightly journal brought out by Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence. The edition comprises the achievements, ongoing projects and the history of the BRO.
The event also witnessed Shri Ajay Bhatt flagging-in ‘Ekta Avam Shradhanjali Abhiyaan’, a multi-modal expedition which began on April 10, 2023. All the echelons of the organisation were integrated in this adventure-cum-awareness expedition. Consisting of motor-cycle and four-wheel drives, 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, Shri 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 Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel projects.
Terming border area development as a top priority of the Government, the Raksha Rajya Mantri stated that ‘New India’ is progressing at an unprecedented pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “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 own interests. We do not and will not bow down to anyone,” he said.
Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry exhorted all ranks to continue working with vigour and dedication. He expressed confidence that the BRO will rise to the emerging challenges, in tune with the mantra of ‘We Will Either Find a Way or Make One’.
The BRO, in more than six decades, has constructed over 61,000 kms of roads, over 900 Bridges, four Tunnels and 19 airfields under challenging conditions along India’s borders and in friendly foreign countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
In 2022-23, the BRO completed 103 infrastructure projects, the most by the organisation in a single year. These include construction of Shyok Bridge in Eastern Ladakh and Steel Arch Siyom Bridge of Load Class 70 in Arunachal Pradesh on Along-Yinkiong Road. These and other similar projects of strategic importance were dedicated to the nation by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the last one year.
