Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation two Centres of Excellence established by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Seema Sadak Bhawan in New Delhi, on June 11, 2021. These Centres have been established to achieve excellence in road safety as well as foster growth in construction of roads, bridges, air fields and tunnels.
The Centre of Excellence for Road Safety & Awareness (CoERSA) aims to create awareness about road safety through analysis sharing of road accidents and suggesting methods to save precious lives. The Centre of Excellence for Roads, Bridges, Air Fields and Tunnels (CoERBAT) focuses on institutionalising the knowledge gained over the years in development of almost 60,000 km roads, 56,000 metres of bridges, 19 airfields, and four tunnels in the eastern and north-western part of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated the efforts of BRO in establishing the Centres of Excellence, expressing confidence that they will play a pivotal role in saving precious lives. Terming road accidents as a silent pandemic that claims approx. 1.5 lakh lives every year, Rajnath stated that the Government has taken a number of initiatives such as National Road Safety Policy, Motor Vehicle Act 2020, and identification of black spots on national highways to tackle the problem and the setting up of these Centres is another step in that direction, according to a PIB relaese.
Rajnath lauded the crucial role played by BRO in the progress of the nation since its inception by building roads, tunnels and other infrastructure in remote areas. He praised the efforts of BRO for working tirelessly in tough weather conditions to increase connectivity in border areas, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Describing connectivity as an essential component of a nation’s progress, he said BRO is catering to the needs of the Armed Forces as well as working towards the socio-economic development of the border areas. He made special mention of the recent achievements of BRO, including state-of-the-art construction of ‘Atal Tunnel, Rohtang’, Kailash Mansarovar Road, and Zojila pass.
He also listed out various measures taken by the Government for the development of BRO including increase in its budget, approval of special high-altitude clothing for the personnel as well as cadre review to boost the morale of the organisation. He also remembered the BRO personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
Rajnath, during the event, also launched four software developed to optimise the work efficiency of BRO personnel, their HR management, recruitment management, enrolment, and works management. The BRO has created the software to reduce paperwork with focus on minimising the carbon footprint. Rajnath termed the development of the software as a great example of ‘Self-reliant India’ and ‘Digital India’ campaigns.
The first ever Solo Woman Motorcycle Expedition by Kanchan Ugursandi to Umling La Pass, Ladakh, was also flagged off on the occasion. Rajnath extended his best wishes to Kanchan Ugursandi and expressed confidence that she will come out with flying colours and complete the task by setting new records.
Earlier, DG Border Roads Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry briefed Rajnath Singh on the initiatives and achievements of BRO in recent years.The DG Border Roads said BRO remains committed towards serving the nation and would bring all necessary changes to enhance the efficiency of the organisation. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.