BRO takes 15 years, border road still incomplete

PITHORAGARH: The 75-km road at the China border, being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) from Ghatiabagar to Lipulekh Pass in Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh district, will take two more years to complete as a rocky portion of the 25-km stretch on the road is proving to be a challenge.

BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, May 1

The 75-km road at the China border, being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) from Ghatiabagar to Lipulekh Pass in Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh district, will take two more years to complete as a rocky portion of the 25-km stretch on the road is proving to be a challenge. BRO officers told Governor KK Paul’s advisers, who arrived in Munsiyari to review the road construction work at the border last week. The Governor’s advisers, Prakash Mishra and Ravindra Singh, had reached Munsiyari to take stock of the development works in the border region.

The construction work on this strategically significant road began in 2003 after a survey work on the aligned portion. The construction agency was given five years to complete the road but it took over 15 years till date and still the road was incomplete. “We have constructed 50 km of the road but the 25-km main hard rocky portion between Lakhanpur and Garvadhar is taking time for levelling. Our directorate has decided to take technical help from private companies in this regard,” a BRO officer told the advisers.

Pithoragarh District Magistrate Harish Chandra Semwal said the BRO had planned to four-lane this road for which it had sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport. “After the completion of construction work, this border road will not only be strategically significant for security forces but also benefit tourists. Kailas Mansarovar and Chota Kailas pilgrims will be able to reach Lipulekh Pass by buses, avoiding a steep trek to high mountains what they are doing at present,” said Semwal.

He added the construction of another road from Munsiyari to Milam at the China border in the district was also in progress. The 55-km road had been completed up to 31 km and the work on the remaining portion had slowed due to the hard rocky portion that had emerged between Rilkot and Lilam villages. “The BRO has also claimed that it will complete the road by 2018,” he said.