Today, on 25 May 2023, Shri Ajay Bhatt, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Defence & Tourism, Visited the Headquarters, Project Shivalik of BRO

The Hon’ble minister was received by Brig PS Joshi, Chief Engineer, and Commanders 21 & 36 BRTFs along with other senior officers of Project. He offered homage at Amar Karmyogi Smriti by laying a wreath. He also planted a Palm Sapling to mark the ‘Lifestyle For Environment Campaign’. 

He was briefed about works in the AoR on the roads of strategic significance, about ongoing Char Dham Yatra, preparations made for smooth conduct of the same, and various construction works going on Bharat Mala project as well. 

Hon’ble minister expressed satisfaction over speedy implementation of infrastructure works being carried out by BRO, particularly in border areas overcoming challenges posed by harsh terrain and inclement weather conditions. He emphasized efforts made by BRO to enhance the border tourism. Shri Ajay Bhatt, while alluding to the Guiness world Record for highest motorable road in the world constructed by BRO at Umlingla, stated that Project Shivalik is also working at almost similar altitudes at Mana, Niti, Rimkhim, in the area. He praised the outstanding feat of the project in successfully completing the repair and rehabilitation work of Joshimath-Auli Road, to facilitate the conduct of joint training of Strategic Indo-American units, at a very short notice. 

The Hon’ble Minister also lauded the fact that BRO is the only agency that successfully completed ordered down-gradation and scrapping of vintage vehicles, becoming the first and only government organisation to achieve the target. 

The hon'ble minister also stated that he had opportunity to visit HQ DGBR recently, where he was briefed comprehensively by Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, VSM, Director General Border Roads, himself about the target-oriented work-ethics of BRO. Subsequently, he had graced the events held during the celebrations on the occasion of 64th raising day of BRO, and praised the BRO fraternity for their superlative performance all year around and complimented the impeccable manner in which it was organised. 

Shri Ajay Bhatt later on, interacted with the troops praising them for their high morale in putting country ahead of self, and complemented them for honest and diligent service to the nation - especially in hard and remote locations. Minister had interaction with Veeranganas of BRO and expressed satisfaction over organisational efforts to promote women empowerment.