Indian Defence Review

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built a 720-meters-long bridge in Arunachal Pradesh. The Digaru bridge, linking Lohit and Dibang valley, was inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence and Chairman, Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) Dr MM Pallam Raju at a function in Lohit district yesterday.

The Digaru bridge, the longest bridge constructed by the BRO ever, was undertaken by Project Udayak. The bridge,erected in extremely tough terrain, fulfills the long pending demand of the local population as well as the Army authorities.

Facing bad weather yesterday the Minister’s helicopter could not take off for Tezu, but Dr Pallam Raju decided to travel by road instead. He underwent more than five hours grueling road journey including crossing of Alubari Ghat on traditional ferries/boats and experienced the hardships faced by the local population as well as Army personnel in terms of logistics in the absence of bridges in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.

Local authorities in Dao division made all logistic arrangements for the movement of the Minister by road and ferry crossings flawlessly despite short notice. During the road travel, Dr Pallam Raju inspected each activity of road/bridge construction on National Highways NH-13 and NH-15. After the inauguration, he also inspected the portion of trans-Arunachal Highway being constructed by the BRO and visited Paya Production Centre from where all the pavement works material is being produced. The Minister complemented BRO for the excellent work being executed comparable to the international standards despite severe constraints.

Monday’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Lt Gen S Ravi Shankar, Director General Border Roads (DGBR), Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, GOC, 3 Corps and other civil and military dignitaries. Lt Gen S Ravi Shankar thanked the Minister for inaugurating the bridge despite inclement weather and a long road journey involving more than 11 hours both ways for this occasion. DGBR also gave an account of all road/bridge infrastructure being developed in Arunachal Pradesh. Lt Gen Dalbir Singh complemented all officers and personnel of Project Udayak and 48 BRTF (Border Roads Task Force) for completion of longest departmentally constructed Digaru Bridge and its 1.6 kms long guide bunds and approach roads in record period.