Border Infrastructure: BRO Partners Garden Reach Shipbuilders To Erect 27 ‘Made In India’ Metal Bridges On Strategic Roads

In a move that would accelerate the road connectivity in border areas, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build 27 double lane metal bridges on strategic roads near India’s northern and northeastern borders.

The MoU involves fabricating and launching 27 carriageway double lane galvanised modular bridges of 7.5 meters with Indian Road Congress (IRC) Load Class 70.

The two-year contract, worth around Rs 60 crore, was inked in New Delhi on Tuesday (15 March).

In 2021, BRO had successfully trial evaluated an indigenous 140 feet Double-Lane modular bridge supplied by GRSE Ltd.

The first of its kind indigenous bridge was dedicated to the nation by defence minister Rajnath Singh in December 2021.

The bridge was constructed on strategic Flag Hill-Dokala road in Sikkim at 11,000 feet in February 2021.

After successful trials, discussions were held between the two agencies to conclude this MoU.

The double-lane Modular Steel Bridge developed by the GRSE is the only one-of-its-kind bridge available in India and is 100 per cent indigenous.

One of the most critical advantages of the MoU will be the time factor, as these bridges could be launched within 45 days of handing over the site by the units.

“This MoU will certainly be a game-changer in road infrastructure development in the country. The construction of such modular bridges with IRC Load Class 70 classification will also enhance the operational preparedness of the security forces in the forward areas,” the Ministry of Defence said.