Over the past four years, India has been entrenched in a standoff with China along the Himalayan frontier, consuming the focus of its military and national security apparatus. This prolonged engagement has posed fresh challenges to India’s security landscape. However, amidst this backdrop, there has been a notable surge in infrastructure development along the northern border, largely attributed to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Spearheading this effort with remarkable efficiency and strategic acumen has been Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhary, the former Director General of BRO.
Under Chaudhary’s leadership, the critical years of the standoff witnessed a rapid escalation in border infrastructure initiatives, marking a significant shift in India’s strategic approach. This assessment underscores the pivotal role played by this period as a catalyst for bolstering border infrastructure, highlighting the dynamic nature of the situation and the proactive measures taken by India to adapt and respond effectively.
According to Lt Gen Chaudhary (Retd), India is poised to outstrip China in border development within the next 2-4 years, a forecast driven by the government’s proactive stance on border infrastructure enhancement. This strategic foresight, reflected in increased budget allocations, is expected to fuel substantial progress in road networks, bridges, tunnels, and airfields along the borders, positioning India ahead of China in this domain. Chaudhary shared these insights in a discussion with Nitin Gokhale, Editor-in-Chief of BharatShakti, shedding light on India’s evolving strategic posture in the region.
Over the last four years, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully completed 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore by 2023-24. These projects include constructing the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on the Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road. In the past five years, i.e., 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022, the BRO has built 3,595 km of new roads. Moreover, the BRO has been working on 20 tunnels, out of which ten are under construction, and ten are in the planning stage. The BRO is also planning to commence work on the Shinku La Tunnel, which will be 4.1 km long and located on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh. It is expected to be completed by December 2025 and will be the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has gained a good reputation for using advanced technologies to build roads, bridges, tunnels, and helipads in 19 states and foreign nations, including Bhutan and Afghanistan, even in sub-zero temperatures. These infrastructure developments have been especially beneficial for India’s borders with Pakistan, China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, allowing for smooth transportation of heavy vehicles and arms for the army and other security forces, regardless of the challenging terrain and weather.
The army veteran expressed disappointment over the unique dual leadership structure within the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Administrative control lies with the Joint Secretary of the Ministry, while the execution and technical aspects are overseen by the Director General (DG) of BRO. This division creates two power centres, which hinder project implementation. “I would prefer a unified leadership model, akin to other organisations like BSF and CRPF, where there is a single head,” remarked the former DG.
The former DG of BRO highlighted the organisation’s contribution to India’s strategic objectives by providing details of its work on the country’s borders and in friendly nations such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. According to the DG, India should establish a BRO Videsh wing to increase its presence in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Maldives, and Nepal, which will also enhance regional connectivity in ASEAN countries, including Africa.
Team BharatShakti
