Brief History

• The Project was given the name Deepak which signifies its commitment to reach out and maintain harmonious relations with stakeholders and diverse agencies associated with road development work in its area of responsibility and to bring rays of hope, which enrich people living in the far flung areas by connecting them to the main stream. It has been constructing, improving and maintaining the strategic road network in the border districts of Manali, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti since last 60 years and has been a major contributor in ensuring the preparedness of our Armed Forces and development of this remote region.

• Project Deepak, one of the oldest Projects of BRO was raised in May 1961 with its HQ at Shimla with Col S N Punj as its first Chief Engineer, primarily for the construction of Hindustan- Tibet (H-T) Road, one of the toughest roads constructed in India. Subsequently additional roadwork in other area were allocated to the Projects and its Area of Responsibility extended across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan. In December 1966, following disbanding of Project Chetak, all roads of Uttar Pradesh were taken over by Project Deepak. Thus, the 300 Km long Road Rishikesh – Joshimath-Mana, 63 Km long road Joshimath- Malari and 260 Km long Road Tanakpur - Askote - Tawaghat came under the Project.

• During Operation Vijay, the Project earned laurels for the exemplary manner in which the alternate axis to Leh, namely Road Manali-Sarchu was cleared and kept open inspite of the unprecedented traffic seen during the period. With ever increasing work load, Project Shivalik was carved out of Project Deepak in 2009 to look after works in Uttarakhand. The work of Rohtang Tunnel, which was subsequently known as Atal Tunnel, was commenced by Project Deepak. Project Rohtang Tunnel was carved out of Project Deepak during Mar 10 to supervise the construction of Rohtang Tunnel.

• Besides developing road communications for our Armed Forces, it has also been instrumental in the socio-economic development of the region by opening new trade routes and joining the remote and inhospitable areas with the rest of the country. Personnel of this Project are working relentlessly under extreme climatic conditions with utmost zeal, enthusiasm, courage and dedication. Project Deepak continue to strive for the infrastructure development of this beautiful Dev Bhumi Himachal with the goodwill of its citizens.