Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) ‘Project VARTAK’ celebrated its 66th Raising Day in Tezpur, Assam, emphasizing its dedication to bolstering strategic border infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the Northeastern region. Established as Project Tusker in 1960 and renamed ‘Project VARTAK’ in 1963, it was the first BRO project engaged in road construction nationwide. Over the past 60 years, Project VARTAK has been pivotal in building and upkeeping vital road networks in challenging terrains of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, especially near the International Border.
The project, known for its significant contributions, tackled the demanding task of enhancing the Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang axis in 1964-65, involving construction activities amid harsh terrains and weather conditions. Currently, Project VARTAK operates through task forces stationed at Tenga, Sapper Camp, and Khirmu, focusing on road construction, development, and maintenance in Sonitpur district of Assam, and West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It manages approximately 2,066.90 km of roads, including those in high-altitude and snow-covered regions, encompassing key locations like Bumla, Yangtse, Nagula, and others.
Project VARTAK is actively involved in maintaining 1,309.22 km of roads and conducting snow clearance operations over 550.83 km despite the region’s challenging climatic and geographical conditions. Additionally, it is engaged in disaster response efforts and restoring connectivity during natural calamities such as floods and landslides in the Northeast. Currently, the project oversees 67 roads with 119 ongoing works, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for civilians and defense forces alike.
