The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has recently achieved a significant milestone by finishing the construction of a 440m long tunnel below Chamba town. This tunnel has been established as part of the highway connecting Rishikesh-Dharasu road (National Highway – 94). The development of this project falls under the larger scheme known as the Chardham Pariyojana.
About Chardham Pariyojana
The Chardham Pariyojana is a strategic initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It aims at improving connectivity to the sacred ‘Chardham’ sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri in Uttrakhand. With an estimated budget of approximately Rs. 12,000 Crore, this significant project paves the way for the improvement and development of around 889 km length of national highways.
Implementing Agencies and Project Mode
The Chardham Pariyojana project brings together key agencies including the Uttarakhand State Public Works Department (PWD), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The work under this programme is being executed on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. In this model, the government bears the full cost of the project. However, it also ensures that the contractor involved is directly answerable for the quality of work and is responsible for addressing any defects or maintenance issues for a period of four years post completion of construction.
About the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Originating in 1960 under the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the BRO was established to expedite the development of a network of roads in the northern and northeastern border regions of the country. Falling under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, the BRO has diversified over the years. It now encompasses a wide range of construction and development works, including airfields, building projects, defense works, and tunneling. Through its dedicated work, it has endeared itself to the people across the nation.
Impact of the Chamba Tunnel
The recently completed 440m long tunnel under the Chamba town is a testament to BRO’s commitment to infrastructure development in India. This strategically significant tunnel is anticipated to provide a smoother and quicker passage for vehicles, thereby boosting connectivity between Rishikesh and Dharasu road. The completion of this project is expected to contribute significantly to the overall success of the Chardham Pariyojana, creating better access to the sacred sites for devotees and tourists alike.
This article brings together multiple sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly constructed tunnel under Chamba town, its connection to the Chardham Pariyojana, and the role of the different organizations involved in these initiatives.
