‘BRO emerges as key pillar of strategic connectivity and border infrastructure’
New Delhi, Jan 19: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reinforced its role as a critical enabler of India’s strategic connectivity, defence preparedness, and regional development, according to a detailed overview released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Monday.
Since its inception in 1960, the BRO has constructed and maintained more than 64,100 km of roads, 1179 bridges, seven tunnels and 22 airfields in some of the country’s most remote and inhospitable border regions.
Operating under the Ministry of Defence since 2015-16, the organisation supports both military mobility and civilian access across border states and union Territories.
The BRO recorded its highest-ever expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore in FY 2024-25, with an ambitious target of Rs 17,900 crore set for FY 2025-26.
Over 250 infrastructure projects were dedicated during 2024–25 alone, marking a significant milestone in strategic border development.
Government budgetary support has also increased, with allocations rising from Rs 6500 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 7146 crore in 2025-26.
BRO currently operates 18 field projects across 11 states, three union territories, and Bhutan, executing roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields under initiatives such as the Act East Policy and the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Major strategic assets include the Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass, the Sela and Nechiphu tunnels in Arunachal Pradesh, the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Ladakh, and several critical bridges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Beyond India’s borders, BRO has played a key role in strengthening regional partnerships through infrastructure projects in Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Notable among these are Project DANTAK in Bhutan and the Delaram-Zaranj Highway in Afghanistan, which have enhanced regional connectivity and development cooperation.
The organisation also remains at the forefront of disaster response, with specialised teams restoring road and bridge connectivity during earthquakes, floods, avalanches, and landslides. Snow clearance operations across key mountain passes and rapid deployment of Bailey bridges have repeatedly restored lifelines for both civilians and security forces.
Looking ahead, the BRO plans to execute 470 new roads spanning about 27,300 km in border areas. Among the major upcoming initiatives is the Trans-Kashmir Connectivity Project, aimed at strengthening all-weather strategic road links across key mountain passes.
The BRO is more than a construction agency.
It is a vital instrument of national security and socio-economic development that continues to bind India’s frontiers with the heartland through resilient infrastructure.
