Bikaner, April 4 (IANS) Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day at Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Saturday, marking its over four decades of dedicated service, said an official.​

Raised on this day in 1980 in the strategically important western sector, the project has played a vital role in developing and maintaining infrastructure in Rajasthan, Punjab, and the northern parts of Gujarat, said the official in a statement.​

The project has played a vital role in connecting border areas and contributing to national security and regional development, it said.​

With its motto ‘Chetak ka Prayas, Desh ka Vikas’, Project Chetak is one of the largest BRO projects in terms of geographical area, covering more than 4,000 km of road network and 214 km of ditch-cum-bund.​

It supports the defence forces by maintaining key feeder roads towards the International Border with continuous efforts underway to upgrade them to National Highway Double Lane specifications, said the statement.​

The BRO took to social media to mark the occasion.

“On its 47th Raising Day, Project Chetak@BRO stands as a symbol of resilience, engineering excellence, and unwavering dedication to nation-building in the Western Sector,” said the Organisation.​

“Maintaining over 4,000 km of strategic road network across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Northern Gujarat, the Project plays a vital role in enhancing border connectivity, boosting Operational readiness of the Armed Forces, and driving socio-economic growth in remote regions. Through landmark infrastructure achievements in demanding terrain, Project CHETAK continues to strengthen India’s Western Front — serving as a true lifeline of progress and security,” said the BRO.​

The BRO constructs and maintains strategic roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields in border and inaccessible regions to meet both military and civilian needs.​

Since its inception in 1960, the BRO has built over 64,100 kms of roads, 1,179 bridges, 07 tunnels, and 22 airfields across India’s border areas and in friendly neighbouring countries. Since 2015–16, the BRO has been functioning fully under the Ministry of Defence.​

Through overseas infrastructure in Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, BRO supports regional connectivity and strategic partnerships.​

In Financial Year 2024–25, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recorded its highest-ever expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore. Building on this momentum, an ambitious expenditure target of Rs 17,900 crore has been set for FY 2025–26.​

In the two-year period from 2024 to 2025, the BRO dedicated 250 infrastructure projects, marking a major milestone in strategic border development, the statement said.​

–IANS

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