BY DEFENCE JOURNALIST SAHIL | T.I.N. NETWORK
Project Vijayak (BRO) Marks 15th Raising Day in Kargil with Rs 1,200 Crore Infrastructure Expansion – A Landmark in Ladakh’s Connectivity and Development
Kargil, Ladakh, 21 September 2025 – In a remarkable testament to resilience, engineering excellence, and strategic foresight, Project Vijayak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 15th Raising Day in Kargil, Ladakh, on 21 September 2025. The milestone event not only reflected a journey spanning one and a half decades of transformative work in one of the world’s most challenging terrains but also marked the announcement of a massive Rs 1,200 crore infrastructure push for the region, aimed at enhancing both strategic and civilian connectivity while integrating cutting-edge technological solutions.
A Vision Born in 2010: Linking Ladakh to the Nation
Raised in 2010, Project Vijayak was entrusted with a dual mandate – to knit together Ladakh’s remote valleys and forward areas with India’s national mainstream and to support the operational requirements of the Armed Forces stationed in the high-altitude frontier. Over the past 15 years, the Project has gone beyond mere road construction; it has created lifelines that sustain civilian life, military logistics, and emergency response capabilities in one of the harshest and most strategically sensitive regions in the country.
From the snow-laden passes of Zojila to the remote stretches of the Shyok Valley, Project Vijayak has constructed and maintained more than 1,400 kilometres of roads and over 80 major bridges. These roads are not only a technical achievement but a lifeline for local communities, enabling the movement of goods, access to healthcare, and educational opportunities. Over the years, the Project has also strengthened the operational preparedness of India’s Armed Forces, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities and unbroken supply chains in extreme conditions where traditional infrastructure solutions often fail.
Record-Setting Engineering: Zojila Pass Reopening
One of Project Vijayak’s most celebrated achievements came in April 2025 when the strategic Zojila Pass was reopened within just 31 days of its winter closure. This unprecedented feat in high-altitude road connectivity set a new benchmark for rapid restoration of crucial transport links and underscored the Project’s combination of technical skill, logistical coordination, and operational urgency. The reopening of Zojila Pass was not merely a civil engineering triumph but a strategic imperative, reinforcing the operational reach of the Indian Army and the resilience of Ladakh’s communities against the isolation imposed by winter snows.
Raising Day Celebrations: Tradition, Pride, and Community
The 15th Raising Day celebrations were a reflection of both tradition and pride, combining military decorum with cultural vibrancy and community engagement. Festivities commenced earlier in September with a painting competition celebrating Ladakhi culture and the contributions of BRO. On 8 September, a bike rally from Kargil to the Drass War Memorial brought together personnel, families, and local enthusiasts, highlighting the collective spirit and camaraderie of those associated with Project Vijayak.
The celebrations peaked on 21 September with a Sainik Sammelan attended by officers and personnel, prayers offered at local Mandirs and Gurudwaras, and the inauguration of the Vijayak Memorial to honour martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. Cultural performances, a Barakhana, and the vibrant Pagal Gymkhana brought together all ranks, families, and local residents, demonstrating a sense of unity, pride, and shared purpose. These events were not ceremonial alone; they underscored the intrinsic link between national service, community development, and cultural preservation.
Focus on Welfare: Recognising the Backbone of Operations
Project Vijayak has consistently recognised the importance of its workforce, particularly Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs), who form the operational backbone in challenging high-altitude conditions. Over the years, the Project has introduced insulated shelters equipped with safe drinking water and sanitation, distributed enhanced winter gear and protective clothing, and conducted regular health check-ups and medical camps. These welfare initiatives have been central to ensuring the safety, well-being, and morale of those who operate in Ladakh’s extreme terrain, reflecting BRO’s enduring commitment to the human dimension of infrastructure development.
Future Vision: Rs 1,200 Crore Push for Connectivity, Sustainability, and Technology Integration
As Project Vijayak enters its 16th year, the future roadmap reflects an ambitious Rs 1,200 crore investment in expanding and modernising Ladakh’s infrastructure. The plan includes widening key roads, constructing new tunnels and bridges, and adopting advanced technologies such as geotextiles for slope stabilisation, advanced road surfacing techniques, digital monitoring for maintenance, and eco-friendly construction practices. The integration of these innovations is aimed at improving resilience against extreme weather, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring long-term sustainability of critical connectivity infrastructure.
This forward-looking approach is designed to further consolidate Ladakh’s position as a region of strategic significance while continuing to uplift local communities through improved access, economic opportunities, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. The commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology alongside traditional engineering solutions underscores BRO’s role as a pioneer in high-altitude civil and military infrastructure development.
Strategic and Civil Impacts: Beyond Engineering
Project Vijayak’s contributions extend far beyond engineering achievements. Its roads and bridges have acted as enablers of security, socio-economic development, and national integration. By connecting isolated communities, enabling rapid military logistics, and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services, the Project has strengthened both the resilience of India’s northern frontiers and the day-to-day lives of Ladakh’s residents.
The reopening of Zojila Pass, the construction of over 80 bridges, and the creation of more than 1,400 kilometres of roads illustrate the Project’s dual focus on strategic utility and civilian benefit. Each kilometre of road, each bridge, and each tunnel is not just an engineering milestone—it is a symbol of India’s commitment to integrating frontier regions into the national mainstream while maintaining operational readiness and security.
A Symbol of Service, Pride, and Togetherness
As Project Vijayak celebrates its 15th Raising Day, it stands as a living testament to BRO’s motto: forging connectivity in the nation’s most challenging frontiers. From the highest mountain passes to the most remote valleys, the Project embodies service, pride, and togetherness, ensuring that India’s high-altitude borders are not only secure but also connected and resilient. The journey of Project Vijayak reflects the seamless blending of strategic foresight, engineering excellence, and human welfare, creating a model of infrastructure development that is as much about people as it is about roads and bridges.
“From the highest passes to the deepest valleys, Project Vijayak stands as a living bridge of engineering excellence, defence preparedness, and local development,” noted a senior BRO official, highlighting the dual significance of the Project as both a strategic enabler and a catalyst for regional growth.
As it embarks on its 16th year, Project Vijayak continues to forge new paths in infrastructure, technology adoption, and community engagement, reinforcing Ladakh’s position as a region of strategic and developmental importance for India. It is not just a project of roads and bridges; it is a lifeline of progress, security, and unity, representing the dedication, skill, and vision of those who have built and maintained it over the past 15 years.
In Retrospect: Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence
The 15th Raising Day celebrations of Project Vijayak have not only marked an anniversary but have also served as a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey of dedication, resilience, and innovation that has shaped Ladakh’s connectivity landscape. The combination of infrastructure development, welfare initiatives, strategic contributions, and technological integration makes Project Vijayak a benchmark for similar high-altitude projects across India and beyond.
In essence, Project Vijayak is more than an engineering endeavour—it is a story of human endeavour against odds, a chronicle of nation-building in extreme terrains, and a symbol of how strategic foresight, combined with compassionate administration and technical excellence, can transform lives while fortifying the nation’s frontiers.
Looking Ahead
With the Rs 1,200 crore plan on the horizon, Project Vijayak is poised to further enhance Ladakh’s connectivity and operational readiness, integrating innovative technology with traditional engineering, and ensuring that every road, bridge, and tunnel serves as a conduit for security, development, and community empowerment. The Project remains a living testament to India’s vision of sustainable frontier development and operational preparedness, bridging the gap between strategic necessity and societal growth in the nation’s most demanding terrains.
BY DEFENCE JOURNALIST SAHIL | T.I.N. NETWORK
प्रोजेक्ट विजयक (BRO) ने कारगिल में 15वां राइजिंग डे मनाया, 1,200 करोड़ रुपये के इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर विस्तार की घोषणा
कारगिल, लद्दाख, 21 सितंबर 2025 – बॉर्डर रोड्स ऑर्गनाइजेशन (BRO) के प्रोजेक्ट विजयक ने 21 सितंबर 2025 को कारगिल, लद्दाख में अपने 15वें राइजिंग डे का जश्न मनाया। यह मील का पत्थर न केवल दुनिया के सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण क्षेत्रों में पिछले डेढ़ दशक की सेवा, स्थिरता और इंजीनियरिंग उत्कृष्टता का प्रतीक है, बल्कि यह 1,200 करोड़ रुपये के बड़े इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर विस्तार की भी शुरुआत करता है, जिसका उद्देश्य लद्दाख की कनेक्टिविटी को मजबूत करना और अत्याधुनिक तकनीकों को अपनाना है।
2010 में शुरू हुई यात्रा: लद्दाख को राष्ट्र से जोड़ना
2010 में स्थापित, प्रोजेक्ट विजयक का उद्देश्य लद्दाख की दूरदराज की घाटियों और अग्रिम क्षेत्रों को राष्ट्रीय मुख्यधारा से जोड़ना और साथ ही सशस्त्र बलों की ऑपरेशनल आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करना था। पिछले 15 वर्षों में, इस प्रोजेक्ट ने केवल सड़कें बनाने तक सीमित नहीं रहा बल्कि ऐसे जीवनरेखाएं बनाई हैं जो स्थानीय निवासियों, सेना और आपातकालीन सेवाओं के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं।
प्रमुख उपलब्धि: जोज़िला पास का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ उद्घाटन
अप्रैल 2025 में, प्रोजेक्ट विजयक ने शीतकालीन बंद के मात्र 31 दिनों में रणनीतिक जोज़िला पास को खोलकर उच्च ऊंचाई की कनेक्टिविटी में नया रिकॉर्ड स्थापित किया। यह उपलब्धि न केवल तकनीकी कौशल का प्रमाण है, बल्कि लद्दाख और देश के बीच निर्बाध संपर्क सुनिश्चित करने में रणनीतिक महत्व रखती है।
राइजिंग डे समारोह: परंपरा और गर्व
15वें राइजिंग डे के समारोहों में सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम, सैनिक सम्मलेन, मंदिर और गुरुद्वारा में प्रार्थनाएं, विजयक मेमोरियल का उद्घाटन और ड्रास वॉर मेमोरियल तक बाइक रैली शामिल थी। पेंटिंग प्रतियोगिताएं, बाराखाना और पागल जिमखाना जैसे कार्यक्रमों ने सभी रैंकों, परिवारों और स्थानीय समुदायों को एकजुट किया।
कल्याण पहल: CPLs के लिए विशेष योजनाएं
प्रोजेक्ट विजयक ने अपने कैज़ुअल पेड लेबरर्स (CPLs) के कल्याण पर विशेष ध्यान दिया है। इस दिशा में बेहतर आश्रय, सुरक्षित पेयजल, सर्दियों के कपड़े और नियमित स्वास्थ्य जांच जैसी पहलें की गई हैं, जो कर्मचारियों की सुरक्षा और भलाई को सुनिश्चित करती हैं।
भविष्य की योजनाएं: 1,200 करोड़ रुपये का इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर विस्तार
आगामी योजनाओं में महत्वपूर्ण सड़कों का चौड़ीकरण, नए पुलों और सुरंगों का निर्माण, और नवीनतम तकनीकों का उपयोग जैसे जियोटेक्सटाइल, उन्नत सड़क सतह तकनीक, ढलान स्थिरीकरण और डिजिटल निगरानी शामिल हैं। ये पहल लद्दाख की उच्च-ऊंचाई वाले क्षेत्रों में कनेक्टिविटी, स्थायित्व और टिकाऊ विकास को मजबूत करेंगी।
रणनीतिक और नागरिक महत्व
प्रोजेक्ट विजयक की सड़कें और पुल न केवल इंजीनियरिंग उपलब्धियां हैं, बल्कि सुरक्षा, सामाजिक और आर्थिक विकास और राष्ट्रीय एकता के महत्वपूर्ण साधन भी हैं। इनने स्थानीय समुदायों की जीवनशैली को बदलते हुए सेना की ऑपरेशनल तैयारी को भी सुदृढ़ किया है।
सेवा, गर्व और एकता का प्रतीक
15वें राइजिंग डे पर प्रोजेक्ट विजयक BRO के आदर्श को जीवित रखता है: “सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण सीमाओं में कनेक्टिविटी का निर्माण।” उच्च पर्वत शिखरों से दूरदराज की घाटियों तक, यह प्रोजेक्ट सेवा, गर्व और सामूहिकता का प्रतीक है, जो न केवल सेना बल्कि स्थानीय समुदायों के लिए जीवनरेखा के रूप में कार्य करता है।
“सबसे ऊँचे पर्वत से लेकर गहरी घाटियों तक, प्रोजेक्ट विजयक इंजीनियरिंग उत्कृष्टता, सुरक्षा और स्थानीय विकास का जीवित सेतु है।”
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