Brief History

Beacon, the Pioneer Project of BRO, was raised on 18 May 1960 with its HQ at Srinagar (J&K). The Project started functioning in a transit hut, with tents pitched around it, at Tattoo Ground in Srinagar. During raising, the Project had three Task Forces - 5 BRTF, 6 BRTF and 9 BRTF - under its command. Brig BP Wadhera was the first Chief Engineer, who coined the motivating slogan "Beacon Bole Changla". The Project was assigned the task of development of roads Sonamarg - Kargil - Leh, Leh - Karu - Upshi - Loma - Ungti-Chusul, Karu - Tangtse - Chusul, Dugti - Demchok and Tangtse - Lukung - Phobrang, covering of approximately 1,250 Km length. Subsequently, the Project was assigned the road development works of entire J&K State. In 1965, Project was tasked for up-gradation of road Jammu - Srinagar (initially known as "Banihal Cart" and later as NHIA/ NH44) to NHDL specifications after taking over this road from State PWD. Interestingly to note that it was constructed before independence as Cl-5 road with 600 feet long tunnel at Banihal. Later, road Leh Upshi-Sarchu was also added. Due to increase in its work load, two more Task Forces 16 BRTF and 20 BRTF came under its folds.

Project Beacon is known for "putting life into the life lines of J&K". Since its inception as the premier construction agency of BRO, Project Beacon has been meeting aspirations of the "Awaam" of Jammu & Kashmir and strategic needs of the Defence Forces. Braving remote and inhospitable terrain, adverse climatic and environmental conditions, as well as insurgency, the Project has constructed over 4,000 Km of roads as its contribution towards the development of road infrastructure in J&K. Not only does it connect various parts of the state, but also provides job opportunities to approx 7000 locals, thereby contributing towards socio-economic development of J&K.