DIRECTOR GENERAL BORDER ROADS VISITS RAJASTHAN TO REVIEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS
NEW DELHI : Director General Border Roads (DGBR), Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, PVSM, VSM, conducted a two-day visit to Rajasthan on 18 and 19 February 2025 to assess the progress of various road construction projects being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Chetak. His visit was aimed at ensuring the timely execution and quality of strategic infrastructure projects in the region.
At Bikaner, the Chief Engineer of Project Chetak, Shri Suresh Gupta, presented a comprehensive briefing on the status of ongoing road construction and upgradation works. DGBR also held discussions with Major General Anil Kumar Pundir, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 24 RAPID, to exchange insights on the significance of these roads for both military and civilian purposes.
One of the primary focuses of the visit was the strategically significant Birdhwal–Puggal–Bajju Road. Lt Gen Srinivasan reviewed the progress of this project and provided key directives to ensure the swift and high-quality completion of the work. This 213-kilometer-long road is undergoing an extensive upgrade by BRO, with 183 kilometers being reconstructed to National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) standards with paved shoulders in a phased manner. The remaining 30 kilometers had already been upgraded by other agencies. The existing road, currently in a deteriorated condition, is crucial for defense mobility and will also serve as an alternate route for heavy civil traffic moving from Suratgarh to Bikampur and Nachna, reducing dependence on the existing NH-62, which connects Suratgarh to Bikaner.
The upgraded Birdhwal–Puggal–Bajju road is expected to bring significant benefits to local communities by improving connectivity and reducing travel time. Villages such as Bhopalpura, Govindsar, Gopalsar, Hingarsar, Marisingupura, and Lalgadiya will experience enhanced transportation facilities, particularly aiding the swift movement of agricultural produce to markets. This infrastructure development aligns with the broader vision of bolstering rural connectivity and supporting economic growth in the region.
Project Chetak, operating under the aegis of the BRO, has consistently played a pivotal role in building and maintaining strategic road infrastructure across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Its motto, “Chetak ka Prayas, Desh Ka Vikas”, reflects its unwavering commitment to national development and regional progress. The project has been instrumental in transforming remote landscapes by providing vital connectivity, thus enhancing both defense preparedness and civilian convenience.
Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan commended the dedication and meticulous planning demonstrated by Project Chetak in executing these critical roadworks. He particularly lauded the personnel for their perseverance in ensuring project completion ahead of schedule, despite the extreme weather conditions prevalent in Rajasthan. Their efforts, he emphasized, are a testament to BRO’s broader credo of “Connecting Places, Connecting People.”
The visit of the DGBR underscores the government’s emphasis on strengthening border infrastructure and ensuring the seamless execution of strategic projects. These efforts will not only enhance mobility for defense forces but also contribute to socio-economic upliftment by providing better road networks in remote areas. The successful execution of such projects by BRO reinforces India’s commitment to infrastructure development in border regions, ultimately strengthening national security and regional prosperity.
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