Message from the Director General Border Roads

It is with a deep sense of responsibility, pride, and gratitude that I reflect over a year of serving as the Director General Border Roads, a role entrusted to me by our esteemed Organisation and the Nation. I warmly extend my heartfelt greetings to all officers, JCOs/Supervisors, subordinates, CPLs, and the families of the personnel of the Border Roads Organisation, whose unwavering commitment continues to render invaluable service to the Nation.

Over the past year, I have closely observed the undaunted dedication and exceptional efforts of BRO in maintaining and constructing critical roads and allied infrastructure across the most challenging and unforgiving terrains in the world. In line with the Government's vision to develop strategic infrastructure with a twin aim of "Enhancement of our Defence capabilities" and "Socio-Economic Development" of Border Areas, BRO has followed a focused approach to enhance its capacity and efficiency. This has been achieved through contemporary practices, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.

BRO has witnessed a surge in budget expenditure and physical construction of infrastructure projects. In FY 2023-24, BRO achieved a record expenditure of ₹ 14,700 Cr and this year we are on track to achieve an expenditure of ₹ 16,200 Cr.

To further enhance our capacity and capability to meet the Nation’s expectations, BRO has given significant impetus to equipment procurement with a focus on modernized, high-capacity, more powerful, and reliable equipment. We have also taken steps to reform the DPR process by adopting digital transformative tools, including Surveykshak GIS Software and Drone-based mapping of road alignments, enabling efficiency and accuracy. Training of BRO personnel in India and abroad has contributed towards timely DPR preparation. The quantum of works being executed under the EPC model has increased substantially. In addition, a case for special recruitment drives has been processed to address deficiencies in the ranks of Assistant Executive Engineers and Junior Engineers. Efforts to hire medical officers are also being actively pursued, ensuring a robust support structure for BRO’s workforce.

Despite considerable limitations faced by BRO due to limited working seasons, long lines of communication having restricted access, and challenging terrains, BRO has become a "Go-to Agency" for executing critical infrastructure projects to meet strategic defence requirements as well as socio-economic objectives.

One of our most significant milestones has been the successful completion of the Sela Tunnel, which has ensured all-weather connectivity to the Tawang sector. The construction of the Saser Brangsa Bridge, which is the world’s highest multi-span bridge, was completed in a record time of 174 days. The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road has significantly enhanced connectivity in the Ladakh region. Additionally, the commencement of works on the Shinkhun La Tunnel showcases our ability to overcome the most difficult terrains.

BRO is also actively involved in executing projects in LWE-affected areas of Chhattisgarh and border fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar border. Through our relentless efforts and unwavering commitment, we have connected the first villages of the country, embraced cutting-edge technology, and placed a strong focus on women empowerment, with women officers emerging as leaders in executing flagship projects in High Altitude Areas. Our continued success in HADR operations, such as the swift rescue operations in the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarakhand and the GLOF incident in Sikkim, underscores our swift response and resilience.

In addition to our infrastructure accomplishments, we remain deeply committed to the welfare of our personnel. Initiatives such as providing medical facilities to GREF personnel and their dependents through AFMS Healthcare in high-altitude and hostile areas, as well as the grant of risk and hardship allowance, have been implemented. Many other welfare measures are also being actively pursued to enhance the well-being of our workforce.

BRO is deeply committed to the welfare of its nearly 75,000 CPLs who play a pivotal role in our operations across remote and challenging terrains among inclement weather conditions. Key initiatives include the registration of CPLs on the E-Shram portal, ensuring transparency through direct wage payments to bank accounts, and a significant increase in funeral service expenses from ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 10,000. Additionally, welfare measures like the Assured Decent Last Rites Scheme, enhanced group insurance benefits, and the waiver of minimum days for ex-gratia compensation demonstrate BRO’s unwavering dedication to supporting its CPL workforce and their families.

As we move forward together, I recognise the evolving challenges ahead. However, with our collective efforts, indomitable spirit, and the core values that define the Border Roads Organisation, I am sanguine that together we will continue to exceed expectations. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave hearts of BRO who have made the supreme sacrifice in service to the Nation. Their courage and commitment inspire us every day to develop the Nation’s strategic infrastructure with undaunted dedication.

I assure the Nation that the Border Roads Organisation will continue to strive for excellence, build on the achievements of the past, and pave the way for a brighter future for our Nation.