A meeting of the Border Roads Development Board was held here today under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Defence Shri BK Handique. The meeting deliberated on various issues such as the need for enhancement of budget on operational roads due to increase in workload, greater outsourcing options for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), recasting of specifications of operational roads keeping in mind the growing requirements of operational vehicles, provisioning of reserve equipment resources for Disaster Management, and a host of personnel and welfare measures.
Earlier addressing the board meeting, the Minister of State for Defence Shri BK Handique appreciated the work done by the organisation in extremely inhospitable terrain, often deep in the hinterland and in the most difficult conditions. He said a large number of Border Roads Project is in insurgency prone areas. Though BRO is an unarmed force, the Organisation continues to ensure regular and continuous maintenance and repairs of such roads. This speaks volumes about the dedication, motivation and commitment of the BRO, the Minister added.
The Minister was happy to note that BRO has been entrusted with the challenging and prestigious task of construction of the longest road tunnel in the country i.e. the Rohtang Tunnel, along with alternate route to Leh. Shri Handique said the work on this project has already commenced and it will be a major milestone when completed.
The Board meeting was attended by Chief of Air Staff, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Secretary Department of Road Transport and Highways, Vice Chief of Army Staff and other senior officials.
SKS / DM / RAJ
(Release ID :11831)