Project Vartak

Over the years, Vartak has become a major candidate for infrastructure development in western Arunachal Pradesh.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-28|title=Bolstering defences|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/north/bolstering-defences-1502977072.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184437/https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/north/bolstering-defences-1502977072.html|url-status=live}} It has successfully completed massive projects, improving connectivity all around Arunachal Pradesh.{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=May 24, 2020|title=Arunachal Pradesh CM inaugurates two bridges near India-China border|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/itanagar/arunachal-pradesh-cm-inaugurates-two-bridges-near-india-china-border/articleshow/75939138.cms|access-date=2021-10-21|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021191314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/itanagar/arunachal-pradesh-cm-inaugurates-two-bridges-near-india-china-border/articleshow/75939138.cms|url-status=live}} It has constructed major bridges and roads connecting the far-flung border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Some major bridges include Yasong and Sarti bridges, Karteso Kong and Kangdang Sila bridges, Tanchen Panga bridge, Ungu bridge, Siang bridge, Sigit bridge, Sisseri Bridge.{{Cite news|last=Gurung|first=Shaurya Karanbir|title=Border Roads Organisation constructs strategic bridge in Arunachal Pradesh|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/border-roads-organisation-constructs-strategic-bridge-in-arunachal-pradesh/articleshow/75255064.cms|access-date=2021-10-21|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021190552/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/border-roads-organisation-constructs-strategic-bridge-in-arunachal-pradesh/articleshow/75255064.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-10-26|title=From key bridges to strategically crucial tunnels, a look at BRO's infra push in North East|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/from-key-bridges-to-strategically-crucial-tunnels-a-look-at-border-roads-organisations-infra-push-in-north-east-8953541.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Firstpost|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184441/https://www.firstpost.com/india/from-key-bridges-to-strategically-crucial-tunnels-a-look-at-border-roads-organisations-infra-push-in-north-east-8953541.html|url-status=live}} Major roads like the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Axis and the Guwahati-Tawang Axis are important networks for improving connectivity in border areas. Vartak is also constructing numerous tunnels to facilitate all-weather travel in regions where fog is common to shorten travelling time between isolated places in Western Arunachal Pradesh.{{Cite web|title=Sela Tunnel in final stage, promises all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sela-tunnel-in-final-stage-promises-all-weather-connectivity-to-tawang-in-arunachal-pradesh20211022065452/|access-date=2021-10-24|website=ANI News|language=en|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220024023/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sela-tunnel-in-final-stage-promises-all-weather-connectivity-to-tawang-in-arunachal-pradesh20211022065452/|url-status=live}} Major tunnels include the Nechiphu Tunnel and the Sela Tunnel.{{Cite web|title=Last blast of escape tube of under-construction Sela Tunnel conducted|url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1662073-last-blast-of-escape-tube-of-under-construction-sela-tunnel-conducted|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Devdiscourse|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184443/https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1662073-last-blast-of-escape-tube-of-under-construction-sela-tunnel-conducted|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=BRO's all-weather Nechiphu tunnel aims to cut short time for convoy movement towards China border|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bros-all-weather-nechiphu-tunnel-aims-to-cut-short-time-for-convoy-movement-towards-china-border20211018190704/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=ANI News|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184436/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bros-all-weather-nechiphu-tunnel-aims-to-cut-short-time-for-convoy-movement-towards-china-border20211018190704/|url-status=live}} Many roads connecting Bhalukpong to adjoining districts of Assam are also built.{{Cite news|title=BRO to construct tunnels to cut down distance to China border|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bro-to-construct-tunnels-to-cut-down-distance-to-china-border/articleshow/59736787.cms|access-date=2021-10-21|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184436/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bro-to-construct-tunnels-to-cut-down-distance-to-china-border/articleshow/59736787.cms|url-status=live}} Vartak had earlier constructed infrastructure for universities. Construction of residential accommodation, development of internal roads in Tezpur University, construction of the Degree & Diploma Academic blocks, and residential accommodation for the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology(NERIST), Itanagar and the construction of residential school with boy's and girl's hostel for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Gorponding in Tawang, as part of the Rural Education Development Programme are the major works. Deposit works{{Cite web|title=CHAPTER XVIII|url=http://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/EngCode/chapter-xviii.htm#:~:text=Definition.,funds%20from%20non-railway%20sources.|access-date=2021-10-24|website=indianrailways.gov.in|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627183144/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/EngCode/chapter-xviii.htm#:~:text=Definition.,funds%20from%20non-railway%20sources.|url-status=live}} from various agencies like North East Council (NEC),{{Cite web|title=NER Vision 2020|url=http://necouncil.gov.in/about-us/nec-vision-2020-0|access-date=2021-10-21|website=necouncil.gov.in|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021191422/http://necouncil.gov.in/about-us/nec-vision-2020-0|url-status=live}} North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO) and Oil India were undertaken by this Project{{Cite web|title=Vartak with NERIST|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/india-priest-of-world-peace-but-capable-of-replying-to-aggression-rajnath/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=easternmirrornagaland.com|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021173126/https://easternmirrornagaland.com/india-priest-of-world-peace-but-capable-of-replying-to-aggression-rajnath/|url-status=live}} The headquarters of Vartak in Tezpur also hosts a primary school within it offering primary education for the children of the personnels as well as civilians.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-20|title=Tezpur Vartak Model School celebrates 23rd annual day - Sentinelassam|url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/tezpur-vartak-model-school-celebrates-23rd-annual-day/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.sentinelassam.com|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021185118/https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/tezpur-vartak-model-school-celebrates-23rd-annual-day/|url-status=live}}

Vartak specializes in constructing motorable roads and bridges in mountainous regions bringing connectivity to many isolated towns in Western Arunachal Pradesh.{{Cite web|title=BRO pushes for early completion of road projects in Arunachal Pradesh|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/17/bro-pushes-for-early-completion-of-road-projects-in-arunachal-pradesh-2170789.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184436/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/17/bro-pushes-for-early-completion-of-road-projects-in-arunachal-pradesh-2170789.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Twelve roads built by BRO in Northern & Eastern border areas dedicated to nation|url=https://www.projectstoday.com/News/Twelve-roads-built-by-BRO-in-Northern--Eastern-border-areas-dedicated-to-nation|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.projectstoday.com|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021184912/https://www.projectstoday.com/News/Twelve-roads-built-by-BRO-in-Northern--Eastern-border-areas-dedicated-to-nation|url-status=live}}

Vartak initially started with four Task Forces. These Task Forces were spread across various regions, each specializing in different works.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-15|title=Additional DGBR visits Project Vartak in West Kamang and Tawang district|url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/additional-dgbr-visits-project-vartak-in-west-kamang-and-tawang-district/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.sentinelassam.com|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021190249/https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/additional-dgbr-visits-project-vartak-in-west-kamang-and-tawang-district/|url-status=live}}

Between 1967 and 1971, there was a major reorganization of Task Forces.{{Cite web|title=CA NO. 44 BRTF - Border Roads Organisation|url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/6861134/ca-no-44-brtf-border-roads-organisation|access-date=2021-10-21|website=yumpu.com|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021235727/https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/6861134/ca-no-44-brtf-border-roads-organisation|url-status=live}} 7 Border Roads Task Force was disbanded in April 1967. 4 Border Roads Task Force was re-organised as 39 Maintenance Task Force and in January 1971 moved to Dimwe in Lohit District and subsequently renamed as 48 Border Roads Task Force. 3 Border Roads Task Force was renamed as 44 Maintenance Task Force in September 1970 and re-organised as 44 Border Roads Task Force in May 1972 . 1310 Fractional Task Force was raised in April 1984, re-organised in December 1986 as 756 Border Roads Task Force and was located at Ziro. 756 Task Force Headquarters subsequently to moved Naharlagun in February 1998.{{Cite web|title=CBI nets BRTF officer|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/cbi-nets-brtf-officer/cid/326499|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.telegraphindia.com|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021172008/https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/cbi-nets-brtf-officer/cid/326499|url-status=live}} To cope up with the increased work load two new Task Forces were introduced, 763 Border Roads Task Force and 42 Border Roads Task Force. 48 Border Roads Task Force was later merged with Project Udayak.{{Cite web|date=2018-10-21|title=Arunachal : Carpeting of Brahmakund - Chowkham road completes|url=https://arunachal24.in/arunachal-carpeting-of-brahmakund-chowkham-road-completes/|access-date=2021-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021174137/https://arunachal24.in/arunachal-carpeting-of-brahmakund-chowkham-road-completes/|url-status=live}} Subsequently, 756 Border Roads Task Force and 44 Border Roads Task Force were merged with Project Arunak to ease the workload.{{Cite web|author=|date=2007-05-11|title=756 BRTF adjudged best task force|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/05/11/756-brtf-adjudged-best-task-force-1178876274.html|access-date=2021-10-21|language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021174131/https://www.oneindia.com/2007/05/11/756-brtf-adjudged-best-task-force-1178876274.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2017-02-13|title=763 BRTF ( Project Vartak ) Organised Tawang Marathon 2017|url=https://arunachal24.in/763-brtf-project-vartak-organised-tawang-marathon-2017/|access-date=2021-10-23|language=en-US|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203080813/https://arunachal24.in/763-brtf-project-vartak-organised-tawang-marathon-2017/|url-status=live}}

In 1986, Border Roads Organisation decided to go in for construction of permanent bridges departmentally.{{Cite news|last=Gurung|first=Shaurya Karanbir|title=Border Roads Organisation constructs strategic bridge in Arunachal Pradesh|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/border-roads-organisation-constructs-strategic-bridge-in-arunachal-pradesh/articleshow/75255064.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-10-21|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021175321/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/border-roads-organisation-constructs-strategic-bridge-in-arunachal-pradesh/articleshow/75255064.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} This resulted in the creation of a Bridge Construction Company, 1441 BCC, which was allotted to Vartak. The first bridge constructed by 1441 BCC was a pre-stressed concrete bridge Kamla II on the Balipara – Charduar – Tawang road.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-06|title=History of Project Vartak|url=http://bro.gov.in/WriteReadData/linkimages/8903043223-project%20history.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019185644/http://bro.gov.in/WriteReadData/linkimages/8903043223-project%20history.pdf|archive-date=2021-10-19|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Border Roads Organisation}} Subsequently, six more permanent bridges were completed by 1993. 1441 BCC continues to construct high-quality permanent bridges, even at altitudes of over 10,000 feet and across swift mountain rivers in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.{{Cite web|title=eProcurement System Government of India|url=https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app?component=$DirectLink&page=FrontEndViewTender&service=direct&sp=SIAJGBboF2a1i9ApURC/Y2A==|access-date=2021-10-21|website=eprocure.gov.in|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021175025/https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app?component=$DirectLink&page=FrontEndViewTender&service=direct&sp=SIAJGBboF2a1i9ApURC/Y2A==|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|date=2021-03-02|title=Sub Soil Investigation Design, Drawing And Construction Of 135 Mtr Span Major Permanent Pinjoli Bridge Over Pinjoli Nallah Including Approach Roads At Km 49pt750 On Road Bct Under 1441 Bcc 14 Brtf Pro.|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&issn=22190112&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA653581924&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs|journal=Mena Report|language=English|pages=NA}}

Category:Infrastructure

Category:Border Roads Organisation