New Delhi, March 25, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the parliamentary consultative committee of the Ministry of Defence to review the role and progress of the Border Roads Organisation in strengthening border infrastructure and national security.
During the meeting, Singh emphasized the need for robust infrastructure along India’s borders, stating that BRO is developing an integrated ecosystem that combines national security, regional development, and road connectivity. He highlighted the organisation’s contributions in the Northeast and Left Wing Extremism-affected regions, noting that improved connectivity has enhanced both security preparedness and socio-economic growth.
The Defence Minister informed that BRO has been entrusted with developing infrastructure across a 1,600-km stretch along the India–Myanmar border, a move seen as strategically significant for strengthening border management capabilities.
A detailed review of the ‘Border Infrastructure Development Programme 2023–28’ was also undertaken. Under the programme, over 1,000 road and infrastructure projects are being implemented in remote and high-altitude regions, including construction of new roads, upgradation of existing routes, and maintenance works. These efforts are aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity, thereby boosting operational mobility and defence preparedness.
Singh also underlined the increasing use of advanced construction technologies by BRO, including high-altitude equipment, modular bridges, and precast techniques, which have improved both the speed and quality of infrastructure development.
Director General Border Roads, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, presented a detailed overview of BRO’s achievements. Since its establishment in 1960, BRO has constructed over 64,000 km of roads, along with 1,179 bridges, 22 airfields, and 7 tunnels, despite challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.
The committee was informed that enhanced border infrastructure has significantly improved India’s operational readiness while accelerating social and economic development in border areas. BRO’s contributions to international projects in countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tajikistan were also highlighted, reinforcing India’s global cooperation footprint in infrastructure development.
