Srinagar, June 9, 2025 – Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, PVSM, VSM, Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today to discuss the organization’s ongoing projects in the Union Territory. The meeting focused on the BRO’s critical role in strengthening border infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the region’s challenging terrains, underscoring its commitment to nation-building.
The discussion highlighted key BRO initiatives, including the development and maintenance of strategic roads, bridges, and tunnels that ensure all-weather connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects are vital for military logistics, civilian accessibility, and socio-economic development in remote border areas. Notable efforts include the recently reopened Zojila Pass, achieved in a record-breaking 33 days, and the near-completion of the Daulat Beg Oldi and Tangtse-Lukung roads in Eastern Ladakh, which are set to bolster both defense preparedness and local connectivity.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed appreciation for the BRO’s dedication, stating, “The Border Roads Organisation’s work in Jammu and Kashmir is a cornerstone of our security and progress. Their relentless efforts in navigating treacherous terrains to build critical infrastructure reflect an unwavering commitment to nation-building.” He emphasized the importance of these projects in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents in far-flung areas.
Lt Gen Srinivasan, who assumed the role of DGBR on September 30, 2023, briefed the Chief Minister on the BRO’s use of modern technologies to expedite construction while maintaining safety and quality. He reiterated the organization’s mission to connect remote regions, stating, “Our roads are lifelines that empower communities and strengthen India’s borders.” The BRO’s achievements in Jammu and Kashmir include over 63,000 km of roads, 976 bridges, and six tunnels constructed nationwide since its inception in 1960, with 11 recent projects completed in the Union Territory alone.
The meeting also touched on the BRO’s role in supporting tourism and local economies, particularly in the aftermath of challenges like the Pahalgam terror attack, which impacted the region’s tourism sector. Improved road networks are expected to facilitate safer and more accessible travel, encouraging visitors to return to the Valley.
The BRO’s work in Jammu and Kashmir aligns with national priorities to secure borders and promote development in strategic areas. The organization’s efforts have been lauded for overcoming extreme weather, high-altitude challenges, and security threats to deliver world-class infrastructure, such as the Atal Tunnel and the world’s highest road at Umling La.
This high-level engagement between Lt Gen Srinivasan and CM Abdullah signals a continued partnership to advance infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the region remains connected, secure, and prosperous.
