The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) stands as a cornerstone of India’s infrastructure development, particularly in its remote and strategically vital border regions. Renowned for constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, and tunnels under extreme conditions, BRO plays a critical role in supporting the Indian Armed Forces and fostering socio-economic growth in far-flung areas. Its motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (everything is achievable through hard work), reflects its unwavering commitment to nation-building.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Established: A Legacy Born in 1960
The BRO was established on May 7, 1960, with a vision to secure India’s borders by developing robust infrastructure in the northern and northeastern states.
Conceived during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions, the organisation was tasked with :
- ensuring connectivity to remote areas,
- enabling swift military movement, and
- supporting civilian needs
Initially a temporary entity, BRO was made permanent in 1965, solidifying its role as a key player in India’s defence and development framework.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Headquarters: Commanding from New Delhi
The BRO operates under the Ministry of Defence, with its headquarters located in New Delhi. This central hub oversees 18 projects across India and friendly neighboring countries, coordinating complex operations in challenging terrains like the Himalayas and the Northeast.
The Director General Border Roads (DGBR), typically a Lieutenant General, leads the organisation, ensuring alignment with national security and infrastructure goals.
The Border Roads Development Board (BRDB), chaired by the Minister of State for Defence, provides strategic oversight.
Organisational Structure: GREF and Army Synergy
The BRO’s workforce is a unique blend of civilian and military personnel, with the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) forming its core cadre.
GREF comprises civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, administrative officers, and support staff, recruited through the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Complementing GREF, officers and troops from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers are deputed to BRO, bringing military expertise to its operations.
The Indian Army Pioneer Corps also supports BRO task forces, ensuring seamless integration with the armed forces.
This GREF-Army collaboration enables BRO to function as an integral part of India’s Order of Battle, ready to support defence needs during emergencies.
Major Achievements of Border Roads Organisation: Atal Tunnel and Beyond
Among BRO’s most celebrated accomplishments is the Atal Tunnel, inaugurated on October 3, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stretching 9.02 km under the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, it is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh.
The tunnel, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, reduces travel time by about 4 hours and ensures all-weather connectivity, slashing reliance on airlifts for military and civilian supplies.
Other notable projects include :
- the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu in Ladakh,
- the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La (19,024 feet), and
- the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, set to provide year-round access between Srinagar and Leh.
Strategic Role of BRO: Securing Borders, Empowering Regions
BRO’s primary mission is to develop and maintain operational road infrastructure along India’s borders, particularly India-China Border Roads (ICBRs). These roads ensure rapid troop and supply movement, enhancing defence preparedness.
Beyond security, Border Roads Organisation contributes to socio-economic development by connecting remote villages to national networks, boosting trade, tourism, and access to services.
Its operations span 19 Indian states, three union territories, and friendly nations like Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, where it has built critical infrastructure like the Delaram-Zaranj Highway.
Overcoming Challenges: Engineering in Extreme Terrains
Operating in some of the world’s harshest environments, BRO tackles sub-zero temperatures, avalanches, landslides, and high-altitude conditions.
Its snow clearance operations, such as the recent reopening of Zojila Pass in a record 32 days in March 2025, demonstrate its resilience.
Employing over 200,000 casual laborers alongside advanced technology, BRO maintains
- roads,
- bridges,
- tunnels,
- helipads, and
- airfields,
ensuring accessibility even during winter months when passes like Zojila and Rohtang are snowbound.
Innovation and Excellence: Awards and Recognition
BRO’s engineering prowess has earned global acclaim. The Atal Tunnel received the 12th CIDC Vishwakarma Award in 2021, while the Umling La road secured a Guinness World Record in 2021 for the highest motorable road.
In 2022, Border Roads Organisation was conferred the GeoSmart Infrastructure Excellence Award for its tunnel projects.
Personnel have also been honored with gallantry awards, including eight posthumous Shaurya Chakras in 2009 for bravery in conflict zones.
In 2021, BRO established
- Centres of Excellence for Road Safety & Awareness and
- Roads,
- Bridges,
- Airfields, and
- Tunnels,
further driving innovation.
Future Vision: Tunnels and All-Weather Connectivity
Looking ahead, BRO is focused on constructing 31 road tunnels, including the Zojila Tunnel and Sela Tunnel, to ensure year-round connectivity across 27 mountain passes.
These projects aim to reduce travel time, eliminate avalanche risks, and lower logistical costs for the military.
With a doubled budget for General Staff roads (Rs 5,000 crore in FY 2023-24), Border Roads Organisation is poised to enhance India’s strategic mobility and regional development, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
A Force for Progress
The Border Roads Organisation embodies India’s resolve to secure its borders while uplifting its people. Through its blend of GREF-Army expertise, landmark projects like the Atal Tunnel, and unwavering dedication, BRO continues to bridge gaps, connect lives, and pave the way for a stronger, more accessible India.
From its headquarters in New Delhi to the high altitudes of Ladakh, the organisation’s legacy, established over six decades ago, endures as a testament to engineering excellence and national pride.