Rs 1,200 crore border infrastructural push in Kargil, Ladakh region

Giving an impetus to road connectivity in remote areas, Project Vijayak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) marked its 15^th Raising Day in Kargil on Sunday with an infrastructural push amounting to Rs 1,200 crore.

The plan includes widening of key roads, construction of new tunnels and bridges and adoption of cutting-edge technologies like geo-textiles, advanced surfacing, slope stabilisation, digital monitoring and eco-friendly construction practices. These initiatives will further strengthen sustainability and connectivity in Ladakh’s high-altitude frontiers.

The milestone marked a journey of service, resilience and engineering excellence in some of the most challenging terrain in the world spread over the Kargil and Ladakh regions in the Northern Sector, a defence spokesperson said.

Over the last 15 years, the Project has built and maintained more than 1,400 km of roads and 80 major bridges across Ladakh, including the record-setting reopening of the strategic Zojila Pass within just 31 days of its winter closure in April 2025, an unprecedented feat in high-altitude connectivity.

Raised in 2010, Project Vijayak was entrusted with the task of linking Ladakh’s remote valleys and forward areas with the national mainstream while fulfilling operational requirements of the Armed Forces. Its contributions have not only enhanced operational preparedness but also transformed connectivity and livelihoods for the civilian populace of Ladakh.

Vijayak is among the 18 projects of the BRO, that are spread across 19 states and three union territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 1960, BRO has constructed over 55,000 kilometres of roads, more than 450 permanent bridges and 19 airfields in strategic locations. BRO is also responsible for maintaining these roads, bridges and tunnels and also for carrying out snow clearance operations.

The 15^th Raising Day celebrations reflected both tradition and pride. The commemorative events included a sainik sammelan, cultural programmes, religious function and the inauguration of the Vijayak Memorial to honour fallen heroes.

A bike rally to the Drass War Memorial, painting competitions on Ladakhi culture and community gatherings such as the ‘pagal gymkhana’ and ‘barakhana’ brought together troops, families and locals in a spirit of unity.

Project Vijayak has also placed strong focus on welfare of its casual paid labourers (CPL), who are the backbone of its operations. Welfare initiatives such as insulated shelters, improved sanitation, enhanced protective gear, winter clothing, and regular health camps have been introduced to ensure safety and well-being.