Strategic road development - News/Discussions

[Prashant12]

Budget 2018 clears path for new tunnel at Sela pass, will cut travel time to Tawang

Representational image of the BRO clearing a path | Border Roads Organisation

The tunnel project was announced by BRO last year. It is expected to promote tourism and ease military movements in a key region of Arunachal Pradesh.

New Delhi: In his Budget speech, finance minister Arun Jaitley announced that allocations are being made this year to construct a new tunnel at the Sela pass – a critical project that will cut down travel time to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, by over an hour, besides giving all-weather access for troops to the China border in the disputed region.

Jaitley spoke of the tunnel being a boost for tourism in the region, but the big beneficiary of the tunnel will be the army, which is deployed heavily in Tawang – one of the most contentious pieces of land between India and China.

Sela also has special significance for India, given how it brought into focus defences in the 1962 war, after the Army had to abandon it while retreating from Chinese forces. The situation now is different, with Indian forces heavily deployed along the border.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had announced the tunnel construction project at Sela in July 2017, sharing details of two tunnels that will past through the 4,170-metre high pass.

Connectivity to Tawang has been a sore point for the Army, which has to depend on helicopter runs to drop supplies, transport troops, and evacuate casualties during the long winters, in which heavy snow cuts it off from the plains.

The Sela tunnel will reduce the road distance to Tawang by 10 km, and will ensure that the stretch from Bomdila to Tawang remains open throughout the year in all weather conditions.

The BRO’s Project Vartak has already started land acquisition and double landing of the national highway as part of the larger plan. Two tunnels — of lengths 475 m and 1,790 m — will be constructed by BRO.

https://theprint.in/2018/02/01/budget-2018-new-tunnel-sela-pass-travel-time-tawang-cut-hour/

 

[Prashant12]

Border Road Organisation builds strategic road in remote Arunachal Pradesh district


ITANAGAR: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved another major feat in Arunachal Pradesh by building an 'operationally critical' road and another bridge in the remote Upper Subansiri district of the state, along the India-China border.

The construction work was undertaken by the BRO under its Project Arunank - an initiative to connect the inhospitable terrains of the state with the thoroughfares.

The strategic road, connecting Tama Chung Chung (TCC) with Bidak area in Upper Subansiri, was thrown open to public on January 30, chief engineer of Project Arunank B R Tripathi said.

The inhospitable terrain, where rains lasted for eight to nine months, made the road construction work a challenge, he said.

The project had received a major boost in 2017 when a single span 200-feet bailey bridge over the turbulent Subansiri River was constructed.

"The work on the critical road that began way back in 2009 was completed only recently. It is only because of persistent efforts of the engineers and the personnel of 23 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) that the project turned out to be a success," he said.

A bailey bridge over Dadu Siko river, connecting Tama Chung Chung with Taksing road in the district, was also made operational recently.

The bridge will be open to vehicular traffic even during the monsoons, Tripathi said.

"The bridge was constructed with a great difficulty with limited number of labourers and barely any road connectivity. The heavy machineries and earth moving equipment had to be airlifted to the site in IAF choppers," the chief engineer explained.

In exceptional cirumstances, manual labour was also employed to ferry the raw materials, he said.

Despite the huge challenges, the indomitable spirit and the high morale of the BRO personnel ensured that the work was completed with diligence, he added.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...emote-arunachal-pradesh-district-1774247.html

 

[Adioz]

I

Border Road Organisation builds strategic road in remote Arunachal Pradesh district


ITANAGAR: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved another major feat in Arunachal Pradesh by building an 'operationally critical' road and another bridge in the remote Upper Subansiri district of the state, along the India-China border.

The construction work was undertaken by the BRO under its Project Arunank - an initiative to connect the inhospitable terrains of the state with the thoroughfares.

The strategic road, connecting Tama Chung Chung (TCC) with Bidak area in Upper Subansiri, was thrown open to public on January 30, chief engineer of Project Arunank B R Tripathi said.

The inhospitable terrain, where rains lasted for eight to nine months, made the road construction work a challenge, he said.

The project had received a major boost in 2017 when a single span 200-feet bailey bridge over the turbulent Subansiri River was constructed.

"The work on the critical road that began way back in 2009 was completed only recently. It is only because of persistent efforts of the engineers and the personnel of 23 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) that the project turned out to be a success," he said.

A bailey bridge over Dadu Siko river, connecting Tama Chung Chung with Taksing road in the district, was also made operational recently.

The bridge will be open to vehicular traffic even during the monsoons, Tripathi said.

"The bridge was constructed with a great difficulty with limited number of labourers and barely any road connectivity. The heavy machineries and earth moving equipment had to be airlifted to the site in IAF choppers," the chief engineer explained.

In exceptional cirumstances, manual labour was also employed to ferry the raw materials, he said.

Despite the huge challenges, the indomitable spirit and the high morale of the BRO personnel ensured that the work was completed with diligence, he added.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...emote-arunachal-pradesh-district-1774247.html

Is this near "Yaja"? I think that is the only major pass on LAC in Arunachal Pradesh which does not have road connectivity yet. And the Chinese have already made inroads into that area, literally.

 

[Butter Chicken]

Locals in Arunachal spot Chinese road making equipment,try to damage it

 

[Prashant12]

BOGIBEEL READY TO BRING ASSAM-ARUNACHAL CLOSER


More than 16 years in making, the country’s longest rail-cum-road Bogibeel bridge in Assam is now almost complete. Once operational, it would considerably reduce the travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The dedication of the Rs 6,000 crore national project will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly.

The foundation stone of the 5-km Bogibeel bridge on Brahmaputra was laid by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Not only the people of the North-East but also the entire country is waiting for this multi-technology and strategically important bridge, officials said.

The bridge will facilitate connectivity between north and south banks of the Brahmaputra in the eastern region of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. A distance of about 600 km now being covered between the two parts will be cut short merely by 40km.

The Defence logistics along the Indo-Sino border is also set to improve after the bridge connects Dibrugarh to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. According to rail officials, the ambitious projects is both a symbol of development in the North-East as well as part of a strategic move to solve logistical issues for the armed forces stationed along the China border to get supplies from Tezpur. India has 3,488-km long land boundary with China with almost 75 per cent of it falls in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Bogibeel bridge, originally scheduled to be inaugurated in 2009, is being constructed since 2002.

“The Northeastern Frontier Railway has over the years worked under difficult conditions. There was an economic blockade in Manipur once upon a time that too hampered a lot,” said Mohinder Singh, project incharge.

Singh said work is on in full swing and laying of tracks has been completed. Work on the road project is now in progress.

The cost of the project shot up from Rs 1,700 crore to Rs 6,000 crore and deadlines were missed quite a number of times.

Besides this, the other projects in the North-East like construction of railway tracks to Imphal in Manipur would be completed by 2020.

Further, land acquisition is on in Nagaland and the Final Local Survey Work is progressing for train line to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

On extension of tracks from Dimapur to Kohima, Railway Board Publicity Director Ved Prakash said land for 17 km has already been acquired and it is being acquired for the rest of the land.

For the railway line to Tawang bordering Tibet, he said the Final Local Survey Work is progressing and two more years would be required for completion.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/bogibeel-ready-to-bring-assam-arunachal-closer.html

 

[Prashant12]

For all-year access to Ladakh, PM Modi to flag off work on Zoji La tunnel


NEW DELHI: Work on building a road tunnel across the Zoji La Pass, providing the Kashmir Valley with allweather access to Ladkah, a strategically important border region, will begin May 19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Rs 6,809-crore project spanning over 14.2 km, which is expected to be completed in 2026. Another crucial 6.5 km tunnel at Z-Morh on this stretch of Srinagar-Leh highway is likely to be completed next year.

The survey for the Zoji La tunnel through the pass was first carried out in 1997 by Indian Army and the actual planning had started after the Kargil war in 1999. "This is a step to fulfil the promise to the people of Ladakh for round-the-year connectivity. The 20 km stretch between end point of Z-Morh tunnel and the start of Zoji La tunnel will also be overhauled," government official said.

Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari claimed Zoji La tunnel will be Asia's longest bi-directional underground road built almost 400 metres beneath the existing highway. He had said defence forces face a hard time ensuring supplies reach border posts during winters and this pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector.

Once the tunnel is completed the travel time on this 14.2 km stretch will reduce to just 15 minutes from the present three hours. Vehicles can run at 80 kmph inside the tunnel, which will have the necessary safety features, including high-tech communication system.

Infrastructure major IL&FS has bagged the project at Rs 4,900 crore, outbidding National Highways and Infrastructure development Corporation last year.

Currently, Ladakh remains cut-off from the rest of India from November to March due to heavy snowfall. "The tunnel will be an engineering marvel as first of its kind on such tough terrain where temperatures fall to 45 degrees," said a highway ministry official.

Zoji La is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...mmu-bypass-next-week/articleshow/64115227.cms

 

[Chinmoy]

I

Is this near "Yaja"? I think that is the only major pass on LAC in Arunachal Pradesh which does not have road connectivity yet. And the Chinese have already made inroads into that area, literally.

Yaja Vill comes under Taksing sector. Connecting Taksing itself with Bodok is not a less feat. Chinese do make repeated incursions in this place on continuous basis.

But as far as connecting Yaja with Taksing or Bodok is concerned, I still believe work is to be done.

 

[Prashant12]

BRO extends road connectivity upto Taksing in China border

The Border Roads Organisation has extended road connectivity upto Taksing in the Indo-China border in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, a BRO statement said.

The BRO completed the extension of the difficult Tama Chung ChungTaksing road beyond Lemiking on May 9, after nine years of painstaking work, the statement said.

The road now connects a 80-kilometre stretch between Taksing circle along the international border with Lemiking.

Commander of 23 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) Col Tanish Kumar said in the statement that a BRO team recently drove from Lemiking to Taksing for spot verification.

Work on the road began in 2009 and continued despite challenges such as inhospitable terrain, inclement weather conditions with incessant precipitation for almost nine months a year, it said.

http://www.business-standard.com/ar...o-taksing-in-china-border-118051700629_1.html

 

[Chinmoy]

BRO extends road connectivity upto Taksing in China border

The Border Roads Organisation has extended road connectivity upto Taksing in the Indo-China border in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, a BRO statement said.

The BRO completed the extension of the difficult Tama Chung ChungTaksing road beyond Lemiking on May 9, after nine years of painstaking work, the statement said.

The road now connects a 80-kilometre stretch between Taksing circle along the international border with Lemiking.

Commander of 23 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) Col Tanish Kumar said in the statement that a BRO team recently drove from Lemiking to Taksing for spot verification.

Work on the road began in 2009 and continued despite challenges such as inhospitable terrain, inclement weather conditions with incessant precipitation for almost nine months a year, it said.

http://www.business-standard.com/ar...o-taksing-in-china-border-118051700629_1.html

@Mikesingh .... Ever took a heli flight from Lemiking to Taksing or Maza?

If you did, I am sure you are not going to forget that.

 

[Mikesingh]

@Mikesingh .... Ever took a heli flight from Lemiking to Taksing or Maza?

If you did, I am sure you are not going to forget that.

Oh damn! I missed that one!

But here are some pics from ground level...From start to finish.

 

[Chinmoy]

Oh damn! I missed that one!

But here are some pics from ground level...From start to finish.

View attachment 24989

Let me search from my old album. Think do have some from as early as 2007.

Sorry to say, but 2nd and 3rd are not from that sector.

 

[Prashant12]

Doklam effect: Sikkim to get new all-weather highway

The strategically important Himalayan state is now connected to the rest of India through National Highway 10 which is prone to landslides during monsoon.

KOLKATA: Owing to the 70-day stand-off between Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army at the Tibet-Sikkim-Bhutan tri-junction at Doklam plateau last year, the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been tasked to build a 250-km all weather highway from Bagrakote in West Bengal to Sikkim’s capital Gangtok to ensure smooth movement of traffic and military vehicles throughout the year.

The strategically important Himalayan state is now connected to the rest of India through National Highway 10 which is prone to landslides during monsoon.

The planned highway will originate from National Highway 31C near Bagrakote in Jalpaiguri district and slither through Algarah and Lava in Kalimpong district of West Bengal to Rishi on West Bengal-Sikkim
border and move through Rhenock, Rorathang, Pakyong (location of Sikkim airport) and Ranipool before terminating at Gangtok.

Sources at NHIDCL said that though the project was sanctioned in 2015, surveys have been hastened since the Doklam crisis and work will begin this year.

“The highway was a long pending demand of the people of Sikkim. It is expected to provide a better alternative to NH 10 by being less vulnerable to landslides as the part of the Himalayas through which
the new highway will pass is densely forested and we know that trees hold soil together and prevent landslides to a certain extent. Also, this highway is expected to cut down travel time to Siliguri,” an NHIDCL official said.

Ground reports by The New Indian Express during the stand-off last year showed that the Chicken’s neck corridor in Siliguri was well within the range of the Chinese missiles during the crisis. Given the strategic importance of the Chicken’s neck corridor as the sole connection of Northeast with the Indian mainland means that movement of Indian military deterrents against possible Chinese aggression would need better upkeep of the Himalayan roads that are prone to landslides.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...m-to-get-new-all-weather-highway-1820559.html

 

[Prashant12]

Raksha Rajya Mantri @DrSubhashMoS inaugurated the 578 metre-long Theng Tunnel in Sikkim, on 07 June 2018.

 

[Prashant12]

BRO constructs bridge to Siachen under Project HIMANK


LEH: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) today threw open a vital 35-meter bridge in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir that will ease vehicular movement to the base camp of Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.

"The BRO has removed a major travelling bottleneck in Leh by constructing a 35-meter long 'Chamesahn' bridge, under Project HIMANK, which will lead it to the base of Siachen Glacier," a spokesman of the BRO said.

He said Project Himank successfully undertook the challenge of constructing the bridge on Khalsar-Sasoma road, an important axis connecting Nubra Valley to Siachen Glacier base.

He said the bridge on Chamesahn Lungpa stream, which was completed in a limited working window, was possible due to meticulous planning, timely mobilization and innovative employment of resources.

The spokesman said the increase in flow in Chamesahn Lungpa stream during summers and the movement of large volume of both tourist and military traffic over the existing temporary bailey bridge provided limited connectivity on Khalsar-Sasoma road.

"The limitation has been overcome after BRO engineers and personnel built the bridge, which is the first among series of seven bridges to be constructed on Khalsar-Sasoma road. It has provided a major relief by improving traffic movement for local villagers and military personnel, besides tourists going to the scenic Panamik village," he said.

The bridge was inaugurated by Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Director General Border Roads, and declared open for use by security forces and civilians of Leh-Ladakh region.

General Singh, who is on a week-long visit to the Ladakh sector, addressed officers and subordinates of Project Himank and appreciated them for their grit and determination while maintaining these highest and most difficult roads.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...under-project-himank/articleshow/64732773.cms

 

[Prashant12]

Border Roads Organisation completes strategic road in Bhutan


India's Border Roads Organisation has completed construction of a strategically key road in Bhutan, linking the neighbouring country's border town of Phuentshogling with its capital city of Thimphu.

The nearly 30-km long Damchu-Chukha road, which crisscrosses rugged and difficult terrain, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 287 crore under India-assisted development projects in the Himalayan nation, military officials said.

Several India-funded infrastructure projects, including in the power sector, are being implemented in Bhutan, in sync with close bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"Let this road be a reminder to celebrate our friendship. Let's showcase the world how beautiful the relationship between Bhutan and India is," Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said after inaugurating the road last week, according to a senior military official.

Bhutan is a strategically important country for India due to its location, and both sides have been ramping up overall cooperation, including in areas of defence and security, over the past a few years.

During the Doklam standoff between the troops of India and China last year, Bhutan had extended support to New Delhi.

Tobgay had visited India earlier this month during which both the countries resolved to take the "exemplary" bilateral partnership between to "new heights".

The new road is expected to reduce travel time between the Southern Bhutanese city of Phuntsholing and Thimphu by one hour and reduce the journey by around 19.5 km of steep uphill driving, the official said.

He said the road was laid after removing over 2,500 meters of hard rock and it crisscrossed difficult terrains which did not have any access .

"These challenges demanded innovative efforts for construction to keep pace. Cutting the last 900 metres of hard rock stretch and benching it down to 106 metres at Chukha was the most challenging aspect," the official said.

Another official said the road is of strategic importance for Bhutan.

The road has been constructed by Dantak, which is part of the BRO.

Dantak has been working in Bhutan since 1961.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...tegic-road-in-bhutan/articleshow/65092484.cms

 

[Prashant12]

LADAKH NOW ACCESSIBLE BY DOUBLE-LANE ROAD IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS

The new route will enhance inter-state connectivity and bring Socio-Economic benefits
Srinagar: Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir will now be accessible in all weather conditions, giving strategic advantage to the country, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said today.

"The cold desert region will now be accessible by a double-lane Motorable road from Manali in Himachal Pradesh via Zanskar in Kargil district," a spokesman of the BRO said.
The road will also be a strategic advantage in the Kargil region which saw transgression from the Pakistani side in 1999.

The new route, which will enhance inter-state connectivity and bring Socio-Economic benefits for the region, was constructed by cutting through tough mountains under the Project Vijayak of BRO, the spokesman said.

"This will be the third road to Ladakh region after Srinagar-Leh and Manali via Leh routes," he added.

http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2018/11/ladakh-now-accessible-by-double-lane.html

 

[Why so serious?]

India to open another bridge near China border on Dec 25
By IANS | Dec 13, 2018, 07.42 PM IST

• Brahmaputra river, is all set to be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will facilitate faster movement of troops to Arunachal Pradesh, the country's eastern-most state that shares border with China.
  
  
  The foundation stone of the bridge was laid in 1997 by the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. The construction, however, started only in 2002 when then (late) Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction work
  The 4.98 km-long bridge will not only reduce the distance for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam but also facilitate faster movement of troops and supplies to the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
  
  The bridge, situated 17 km downstream of Dibrugarh and Dhemaji, spans the Brahmaputra river, and will connect Assam's Dibrugarh town with Dhemaji.
  
  The bridge is located just over 20 km away from the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and therefore, is expected to act as an alternative to the Kolia Bhomora Setu in Tezpur, in providing connectivity to around five million people residing in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  
  Chief Engineer of the Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway's Bogibeel Project, Mahendra Singh said 99 per cent of the bridge's construction work has been completed. The rest of the work which includes 'final finish' would be done before December 20.
  
  Project Director of Hindustan Construction Company Limited (HCC), R.V.R. Kishore said the bridge is designed in such a way that it can withstand the movement of major battle tanks of armed forces.
  
  "We have also used fully welded guarder technology and high quality copper bearing steel to increase the durability of the bridge," Kishore said.
  
  The HCC was awarded a contract to construct the superstructure of Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in November 2011.
  
  "The bridge will give easy and direct access to upper Assam from the rest of the country through Brahmaputra's north bank, in contrast to the current route through Guwahati in the south bank which is long. Due to its location, the bridge will be of strategic importance to India as it will significantly enhance India's ability to transport troops and supplies to its border in Arunachal Pradesh," Kishore said.
  
  "Bogibeel Bridge falls in seismic zone-V. This zone has been the most vulnerable to earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of seven on the Richter scale. To offer good stability to the heavy spans (1700 MT), they are provided with seismic restrainers," Kishore said, adding the bridge is designed to withstand tremors up to 7 and beyond.
  
  In May 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, also referred to as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu. The bridge, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, spans Lohit river -- a major tributary of Brahmaputra, from the village of Dhola to Sadiya. At 9.15 km, it is the longest road bridge in India.

 

[Hari Sud]

India to open another bridge near China border on Dec 25
By IANS | Dec 13, 2018, 07.42 PM IST

• Brahmaputra river, is all set to be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will facilitate faster movement of troops to Arunachal Pradesh, the country's eastern-most state that shares border with China.
  
  
  The foundation stone of the bridge was laid in 1997 by the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. The construction, however, started only in 2002 when then (late) Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction work
  The 4.98 km-long bridge will not only reduce the distance for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam but also facilitate faster movement of troops and supplies to the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
  
  The bridge, situated 17 km downstream of Dibrugarh and Dhemaji, spans the Brahmaputra river, and will connect Assam's Dibrugarh town with Dhemaji.
  
  The bridge is located just over 20 km away from the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and therefore, is expected to act as an alternative to the Kolia Bhomora Setu in Tezpur, in providing connectivity to around five million people residing in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  
  Chief Engineer of the Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway's Bogibeel Project, Mahendra Singh said 99 per cent of the bridge's construction work has been completed. The rest of the work which includes 'final finish' would be done before December 20.
  
  Project Director of Hindustan Construction Company Limited (HCC), R.V.R. Kishore said the bridge is designed in such a way that it can withstand the movement of major battle tanks of armed forces.
  
  "We have also used fully welded guarder technology and high quality copper bearing steel to increase the durability of the bridge," Kishore said.
  
  The HCC was awarded a contract to construct the superstructure of Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in November 2011.
  
  "The bridge will give easy and direct access to upper Assam from the rest of the country through Brahmaputra's north bank, in contrast to the current route through Guwahati in the south bank which is long. Due to its location, the bridge will be of strategic importance to India as it will significantly enhance India's ability to transport troops and supplies to its border in Arunachal Pradesh," Kishore said.
  
  "Bogibeel Bridge falls in seismic zone-V. This zone has been the most vulnerable to earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of seven on the Richter scale. To offer good stability to the heavy spans (1700 MT), they are provided with seismic restrainers," Kishore said, adding the bridge is designed to withstand tremors up to 7 and beyond.
  
  In May 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, also referred to as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu. The bridge, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, spans Lohit river -- a major tributary of Brahmaputra, from the village of Dhola to Sadiya. At 9.15 km, it is the longest road bridge in India.

Show us on the map this bridge.

 

[republic_roi97]

Show us on the map this bridge.

I think this would help.....
........................ 30chars

 

[Chinmoy]

Show us on the map this bridge.

Image during construction.