Page 24 - NIS English December1-15

Cover Story
Defence

Border Roads Organisation Army: Always ready to
deal with terrorism or
BUILDING BRIDGES OF border challenges

SECURITY

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a crucial factor
in building country’s strategic border roads. The
organisation has an impeccable record of building
roads, bridges all across border states and Union
Territories like J&K, Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand, Panjab,
Assam, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Andaman & Nicobar l According to a recent report, Out of 138
Islands countries, India ranked fourth among the
l The organisation, set up on May 7, 1960, has nations with strongest army with a budget
constructed more than 60,000 kilometre of roads, of Rs 3.37 Lakh Crore.
around 59, 500 metres of bridges, 19 air fields and l One of the most deadly rifles AK-203 is
three tunnels proposed to be manufactured in Amethi,
l BRO is also involved in the maintenance work of Uttar Pradesh. According to ‘Make in
more than 22,000 kilometre roads, 24,000 meters India’ scheme Dhanush, K 9 Vajra,
of permanent bridges, 5 air fields and 3 tunnels. Shaarang, and M 777A 2 ultra light
Currently, 6,000 kilometre of roads, 2 air fields, 2 Howitzer canons are being inducted into
tunnels with 16,000 meters of permanent bridge the Army
are in progress l The Army was facing acute shortage of
l BRO has developed 30 per cent of more roads and bullet proof jackets. The Government
bridges in 2019-20 than in 2018-19 gave its nod to purchase 1.86 Lakh
l Between 2008 and 2014, the BRO developed jackets from the domestic sector. Arms
3,600 kilometre long roads of strategic importance. and ammunition worth Rs 25,000 Crore
But from 2014 to 2020, the organisation has was procured on urgent basis
constructed 4,700 kilometre long roads of strategic l A special focus on the security of soldiers
importance posted in sensitive region of Jammu &
l Between 2008 and 2014, the BRO constructed Kashmir. Provisions are being made for
7,270 bridges whereas from 2014 to 2020, it has the movement of soldiers in armoured
built 14,953 bridges vehicles with a special escort of mine
l Nine-kilometre-long Atal Tunnel under Rohtang protection vehicles
Pass is now complete. The decision was taken Defence Research and
long back in 2002. It was expedited after 2014 and
now the tunnel is open for public Development Organisation
l Opening of Darbuk-Shyok-Daulatbeg Oldie road The motto of the DRDO is "Balasya Mulam
near strategically important LAC Vigyanam" – a Sanskrit proverb meaning the
l From 2009 to 2015, the BRO had a budget of Rs base of strength is science. This strength
4,000 Crore, which increased to Rs 5,400 Crore in empowers the nation during critical times. With
2017-2018, Rs 7,000 Crore in 2018-19. Now in this motto, the DRDO is constantly working to
2019-20, it has been increased to Rs 8,000. For empower the Indian Armed Forces.
2020-21 a Budget of Rs 11,000 has already been Its achievements are:
approved

22 New India Samachar