Guwahati, May 7 (IANS) Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) ‘Project VARTAK’ on Thursday celebrated its 66th Raising Day at Tezpur in Assam, reaffirming its commitment towards strengthening strategic border infrastructure and improving connectivity in the Northeastern region, officials said.

Originally raised as Project Tusker on May 7, 1960, it was rechristened as ‘Project VARTAK’ in 1963 following the Indianisation of BRO project names.

The project holds the distinction of being the first BRO project to undertake road construction activities in the country.

Officials added that over the past six decades, Project VARTAK has played a crucial role in constructing and maintaining strategic road networks in difficult terrain across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in areas close to the International Border.

According to a statement issued by Defence Public Relations Officer, the project had undertaken the challenging task of improving the Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang axis during 1964-65, including formation cutting works connecting Bomdila with Sela and surfacing works from Bhalukpong to Rupa under extremely adverse terrain and weather conditions.

At present, Project VARTAK operates through its task forces located at Tenga, Sapper Camp and Khirmu.

It is responsible for construction, development and maintenance of roads in Sonitpur district of Assam, and West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Officials said the project currently maintains around 2,066.90 km of road network, including stretches in high-altitude and snow-bound regions.

Strategically important locations such as Bumla, Yangtse, Nagula, Womingla, Lungro GG, Monkey Pass and Assam Hill fall within its area of responsibility.

Regular snow clearance and restoration works are carried out to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for both civilians and defence forces, officials added.

At present, 67 roads with 119 ongoing works are under progress under the project.

In addition, Project VARTAK is maintaining 1,309.22 km of roads and carrying out snow clearance operations over 550.83 km despite challenging climatic and geographical conditions.

Officials also said that the BRO project has also played a major role in disaster response and restoration of connectivity during floods, landslides and other natural calamities in the Northeast.

–IANS

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