In News:

Project Arunank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently celebrated its 18th Raising Day at Naharlagun, marking over 17 years of sustained infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote and strategic regions.

About Project Arunank

• Launched: 2008
• Implementing Agency: Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence.
• Name Origin: Derived from the state’s name — Arunachal Pradesh.
• Objective:To enhance road connectivity in remote valleys and forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh, supporting both civilian access and the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

Key Achievements

• Strategic Road Development
  • Constructed and maintained over 696 km of roads and 1.18 km of major bridges across the state.
  • Completed the 278 km Hapoli–Sarli–Huri Road, which was blacktopped for the first time since Independence, connecting the remote KurungKumey district — a major milestone in post-Independence connectivity.
• Technological Innovations
  • Adopted modern and sustainable construction technologies, including:
    • Steel Slag and GGBFS Concrete for durability.
    • Cut-and-Cover Tunnels and Geo Cells for terrain stability.
    • Plastic Sheets, Gabion Walls, and Slope Stabilisation Systems to prevent landslides and improve road resilience.
  • These innovations promote eco-friendly and climate-resilient infrastructure in fragile Himalayan terrain.
• Green and Welfare Initiatives
  • Under the ‘Ek Ped MaaKe Naam’ campaign, over 23,850 trees were planted across Arunachal Pradesh to promote environmental conservation.
  • Welfare measures for Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs) included better shelters, protective gear, and regular health camps—acknowledging their crucial contribution to BRO’s success.
• Community and Awareness Programs: Conducted a motorable expedition along the Naharlagun–Joram Top–Sangram–Ziro–Naharlagun route to promote road safety and connectivity awareness among locals and officials.

Future Plans

• Focus on road widening, construction of new bridges and tunnels, and improving all-weather, high-altitude connectivity for both civilian and defence use.
• Integration of digital monitoring tools, geotextiles, and eco-friendly materials to enhance infrastructure sustainability while reducing maintenance costs.

About the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• Established: 7 May 1960
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Mandate:To construct and maintain road networks in border areas of India and in friendly neighbouring countries to ensure defence preparedness and socio-economic development.
• The BRO has been pivotal in strategic connectivity across northern and northeastern India, including projects like Arunank (Arunachal Pradesh), Vartak (Assam & Arunachal), Himank (Ladakh), and Sampark (Jammu & Kashmir).