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BRO celebrates its 65th Raising Day

Context

The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) 65th Raising Day celebration in New Delhi, chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane.

It highlights the BRO’s contributions to national security, technological advancements, completion of infrastructure projects, and gender inclusivity, amidst increased budgetary support.

Analysis of the news

• Establishment: Founded in 1960, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• Mission: Develop and maintain road networks in India’s border areas for strategic and socio-economic purposes.
• Geographical Scope: Operates in remote and challenging terrains along India’s international borders with neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Infrastructure Development: Constructs roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields to improve accessibility and connectivity in border regions.
• Strategic Importance: Vital for military mobilisation, troop deployment, and logistics supply in border areas, enhancing national security.
• Socio-Economic Impact: Facilitates socio-economic development in remote border regions, improving access to healthcare, education, and markets.
• Challenges: Faces logistical hurdles, adverse weather conditions, rugged terrain, and security threats in border areas.
• Technological Advancements: Incorporates modern technologies like satellite imagery, geospatial mapping, and engineering innovations for efficient road construction in challenging environments.
• Collaborations: Works closely with the Indian Army, local communities, and other government agencies to achieve its objectives.
• Humanitarian Role: Undertakes relief and rehabilitation work during natural disasters and emergencies, contributing to disaster management efforts.
• Strategic Vision: Continues to evolve its infrastructure capabilities to meet the evolving security and developmental needs of India’s border regions.
• Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the event, commending the BRO for its contributions to national security and socio-economic progress in border areas.
• The Defence Secretary urged the BRO to embrace the latest technology for faster project completion, emphasizing automation and mechanization.
• Director General, Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan highlighted the BRO’s commitment to national security, connectivity, and development.
• The event included the unveiling of a compendium on Sela Tunnel and the presentation of Excellence Awards to BRO personnel.
• Established in 1960 with two projects, the BRO now operates 18 projects in 11 States and three Union Territories, focusing on strategic road construction and maintenance in high-altitude and difficult terrain.
• In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The BRO aims to commence construction on the Shinkun La Tunnel, set to become the world’s highest tunnel.
• The organisation has witnessed increased budgetary support in recent years, allowing for accelerated infrastructure development and operational readiness.