Srinagar,03-Jan; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated and dedicated to the nation 28 Infrastructure Projects constructed by BRO. With this BRO has dedicated 103 Infrastructure Projects to the Nation at a cost of Rs 2229 Cr. in year 2022. Out of these 28, four have been constructed in UT of J & K, eight in UT of Ladakh, three in Uttarakhand, two in Rajasthan and three in Punjab.
Highlights of the ceremony were inauguration of “Five bridges of various spans on the strategic D-S-DBO Road” and “240 Ft Jhula Suspension Bridge on Ramban Old Alignment” and inauguration of a “Telemedicine Node” in a remote location of Ladakh on 03 Jan 2023.
Last year, 102 BRO infrastructure projects were dedicated to the Nation at a cost of Rs 2229 Cr. This year, 75 Infrastructure Projects of the BRO costing Rs 2173 Cr have already been dedicated to the Nation by Rajnath Singh from Shyok village in Ladakh on 28 Oct 2022 making a total of 103 infrastructure projects at a total cost of Rs 2897 Cr.
In a ceremony organised by the Border Roads Organisation in the office of Defence Ministry, Rajnath Singh inaugurated 22 Bridges, 03 Roads, 03 other miscellaneous projects. These Infra Projects have been constructed under challenging weather conditions at most inhospitable terrain locations. Notably, BRO completed the construction of these critical strategic projects in record time frame and many of these Projects have been constructed in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology. It is pertinent to mention that out of these 28 projects, four have been constructed in UT of J & K, eight in UT of Ladakh, three in Uttarakhand, two in Rajasthan and three in Punjab. The highlight of the event was the inauguration of five bridges of various spans on the D-S-DBO Road at 14000 ft. These bridges are of strategic importance to our Defence Forces and will facilitate speedy induction of troops, heavy equipment and mechanised vehicles to forward areas of Ladakh up to Karakoram Ranges including the important Galwan valley.
Singh also inaugurated Maitra Bridge on Ramban Old Alignment Road. This 240 ft Jhula Bailey Suspension Bridge has been thrown open to vehicular traffic in just 31 days, two months ahead of its schedule date of completion. This bridge connects Ramban District Administrative Complex and Gool Sub Division of Ramban, located west of the Chenab River to the Bowli Bazaar area of Ramban town located on NH-44 East of the Chenab River. This bridge would benefit more than 10-15000 people who use this bridge daily to cross over from Maitra to the Bowli Bazaar area and vice versa, thereby avoiding the alternate route through Jaiswal Bridge which is 12 Km longer.
Some of the major achievements of BRO in Ladakh in recent times include enhanced connectivity from Shyok to DBO, enhanced connectivity to Chusul and Nyoma and smoother connectivity to Hanle. With Hanle designated as a Night Sky Reserve, it will give a major boost to local tourism as well as tourists would be able to visit places like Hanle Observatory and Hanle Monsatery as well.
The Minister also released “Vision BRO@2047 document and Compendium on New Technologies being adopted in BRO”.
“Vision BRO@2047” document encapsulates BRO’s relentless pursuit for excellence and lays down a roadmap with tangible and achievable milestones. As Nation celebrates 75 years of independence through the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this document addresses some of the objectives the Nation aims to achieve when it turns 100 in 2047. Clearly identified goals and targets for the next 25 years have been outlined through a concerted effort to align the entire organisation to a focused journey of the nation.It must be highlighted that what may seem to be very easy to implement in the plains, becomes extremely challenging in mountains. But then, overcoming challenges is what BRO is best at! There has been surge in construction of roads, bridges and especially the tunnels in BRO in past few years with implementation of new & innovative technologies.
These new technologies include induction of Modular Bridges, micropiling under freezing conditions, use of Geo Cells, Cement treated bases, non frost susceptible sub bases, slope stabilization using plenty of state-of-the-art techniques, snow erdox system and snow galleries for avalanche protection measures, inter locking concrete blocks pavements, plastic coated aggregates, cut & fit technology using precast concrete elements, white topping of roads in heavy rainfall areas, etc. For the first time, BRO is using LITHELYARCH® Technology – Patented Technology for Pre-cast Cut & Cover Technology for construction of a Cut & Cover tunnel in Ladakh. The challenge in Ladakh is that for six to seven months in a year, the temperature is not conducive for cement and concrete works. One of the means to extend the working season beyond six months is use of precast items like precast culverts, drains and breast walls. BRO has taken a unique initiative of using precast members such as culverts, drains and breast walls to expedite road construction as well as to improve quality in the remote regions of Eastern Ladakh.
BRO has also been at the forefront towards environment friendly infrastructure development in the UT of Ladakh. Following the idea of a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BRO is not only using plastic waste in construction of roads but is also building a carbon neutral habitat at two of its detachments at Hanle and Dungti.
Rajnath Singh also inaugurated 03 telemedicine nodes out of which one is at Ladakh. These Telemedicine nodes will connect the remote detachments through VSAT to Service hospitals. It will provide prompt medical intervention for medical & surgical emergencies through Telemedicine consultation with specialists at Service hospitals using SATCOM VSAT communication. This is one of the unique achievements for BRO in providing medical services to its personals in remote border locations through use of space technology.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh lauded BRO’s commitment towards establishing connectivity in far-flung areas by ensuring timely completion of these roads & bridges. He mentioned that last year BRO completed 102 infrastructure projects and this year, in 2022 with this 28 infra projects BRO has dedicated a record 103 infrastructure projects to the Nation. He appreciated the feat of construction of these another 28 infrastructure projects at such an expeditious pace during this year. He mentioned that such performance by the BRO is unprecedented and is a reflection of the grit and determination of the entire Border Roads Organisation under the stellar leadership of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, VSM, DG Border Roads.
He also lauded BRO’s effort of always being at the forefront in introducing latest technologies which are not only environment friendly but also cost effective. He mentioned that as BRO works in harsh and extreme conditions of temperature and terrain, these innovations have contributed towards resolution of many construction problems that have been affecting the roads being constructed on our borders.
He expressed his confidence that with the organisation’s history of achieving excellence, the document, “Vision BRO@2047”, will serve as the rallying point for further expansion of the BRO’s areas of expertise and proficiency. He reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to ensure better infrastructure development in border areas keeping in view the Nation’s security needs. He expressed his confidence in BRO’s contribution to Nation building by promoting enhanced defence preparedness & ushering economic development in Border States through improved connectivity despite tremendous challenges of terrain & weather condition.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates 28 infra projects built by BRO
