The recent Indo-China standoff has brought back the nation’s focus on the work of the Border Roads Organisation, says Vaibhav Dange
The latest standoff between India and China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has brought focus on the Border Roads Organisation — BRO. One more significant event, which the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation is an important infrastructure project known as Atal Tunnel on Manali-Leh Highway. This nine km long tunnel shall reduce the distance by 46 km and travel time to Leh significantly, taking us one step closer to making Ladakh connectivity an all-weather one. Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of the country during winters when both routes one from Srinagar and another from Manali to Leh remains closed. The tunnel, which was under construction for about a decade, picked up pace in 2018-19. It has now been completed and will provide all weather connectivity to Lahaul and Spiti. It shall also ensure rapid and early movement of troops and logistics to Leh during the current standoff with China.
In fact, the whole situation is being attributed to the recent progress made by BRO in accelerating border infrastructure projects as these appear to have triggered alarm bells in the China Security establishment. The increased pace of road construction along our borders is seen as an indication of India’s offensive intent and highlights the strategic and important role of BRO. Recently, during my interaction with top leadership of BRO, I have noticed a paradigm shift in the work culture of this organisation. Since the new Director General has been appointed, it has seen a major surge in outcomes delivered in the last couple of years. This is evident from the fact that about 30 per cent more works were executed this year in spite of COVID-19 restrictions.
The strategic focus of the present government in improving infrastructure along the Northern and Western borders has resulted in better connectivity. The Pathankot-Jammu Highway that links J&K with rest of the country has now an alternate route with 17 bridges along the international borders. Over four lakh people in 217 villages will have all weather connectivity now.
The roads and tunnels towards the LOC from places like Tangdhar, Keran, Gurez, are being upgraded. It shall not only provide connectivity but also open up numerous opportunities for the local population. The long term plan for all weather connectivity to Leh hinges upon construction of Z-morh and Zojila Tunnels on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and BRO have jointly planned three more tunnels at Baralachla, Tanglingla and Lanchungla along the Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway. BRO is also working on connecting Leh through the Zanskar Valley. This road joins Darcha on Manali-Leh highway with Nimu on Kargil-Leh Highway via Padam and Niraq in the Zanskar Valley.
While axial connectivity towards forward locations remains the area of focus, there is also a need to ensure lateral links parallel to the LAC for strategic purposes. Many plans are in place to connect the forward areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from Karcham to Harsil with a tunnel at Lamkhaga Pass.
In Uttarakhand, there are three sectors wherein roads lead to China border. These are Harshil, Joshimath and Pithoragarh sectors. In Harshil sector, double lane road is complete for 316 km to PDA which is just 16 km from Thagla pass on China border. In Joshimath sector, the roads to the China border get bifurcated into two limbs. BRO has connected Mana pass and provided a double lane road till Ghastoli. Both Niti pass and Rimkhim are connected. BRO has already connected Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra route to Navidang and also the route to Adi Kailash Parbat. BRO has also been entrusted with 400 km roads in Uttarakhand and 250 Km roads in Sikkim under the Bharatmala Project at a cost of over Rs 9,000 crore. This will be a major step in upgrading infrastructure in border areas.
Trans-Arunachal Highway will connect at the base of all five valleys. Major works are being undertaken in Arunachal Pradesh on the road to Tawang. This sector saw a lot of action during the 1962 war with China. The entire road of 317 km has been double laned with 42 km of bypasses and tunnels designed for smooth flow of traffic. This road is being given all weather connectivity by constructing tunnels at Nechiphu and Sela.
In the last two decades, China has undertaken rapid infrastructure development in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), including in the areas close to its border with India. This has enhanced China’s force application and logistic sustenance capability in TAR. The improved infrastructure further facilitates deployment of Chinese missile bases and long-range bombers in Tibet. The only way to counter this is through enhancing our infrastructure in the region. The Indo-China Border Road (ICBR) Project was launched to reduce our mobilisation timings and connect our forward localities. Accordingly, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) identified 73 ICBRs. These 73 roads are spread in five states / UT bordering China. BRO has connected the farthest most localities of Daulat Beig Oldie (DBO), Hotspring, Demchok and Zursar. DBO was an air maintained post which is now connected with a 255 km long Darbuk-Shyok DBO road. This road traverses through high altitude glaciated regions totally devoid of habitation. The travel time has reduced from erstwhile seven days to only one day.
In Himachal, forward most localities of Point 4840, Lepcha and Shipkila have been connected. In Uttarakhand, forward most localities of Sumla, Mana Pass, Niti Pass, Rimkhim, Jolingkong and Lipulekh have been connected. In Sikkim, forward most localities of Kerang, Dongkyala, Gorala, Chola, Nathula and Dokala have been connected. In Arunachal Pradesh, forward most localities of Kharsangla, Vasu Rock, Bumla, Chuna, Taksing, Lamang, Tadadege, Gelling, Kibithu and Dichu have been connected.
Efficient and strategic infrastructure enhances capabilities of armed forces manyfold. We must congratulate thousands of Boarder Road engineers for their commendable work in building this infrastructure in extreme weather and geographical conditions. The recent push in border infrastructure by PM Modi has provided the vital muscle in securing India’s borders.
(The writer is Advisor, NHAI, under MoRTH, New Delhi.)
