Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Dantak 64th Raising Day

BRO project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Dantak to commemorate the 64th Raising Day.

What is Project Dantak?

• Project Dantak is an overseas initiative under India’s Ministry of Defence, which was established on 24 April 1961 as a result of an agreement between Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, and then Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.
• Its primary objective is to develop infrastructure and enhance connectivity in remote areas of Bhutan.
• The project was initiated in 1961 to construct and maintain a strategic road network connecting the Indian border with Bhutan.
• It aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the region and strengthen ties between the two countries.
• The project has been instrumental in building and maintaining over 1,500 km of roads and bridges in Bhutan.
• Initially, the project started with the construction of the Paro-Chhuzom road, which is a crucial link between Paro Airport and the capital city of Thimphu. Since then, Project Dantak has completed many other projects, including the construction of the Phuentsholing-Thimphu highway, which connects Bhutan to India, and the construction of the Wangdue Phodrang-Bumthang highway.
• It has also played a significant role in constructing and upgrading airports, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure in the country.
• The BRO has deployed several task forces to execute various road construction and maintenance projects under the Dantak project.
• The project has also provided employment opportunities to many locals in the region.
• Project Dantak is considered a vital aspect of India’s foreign policy, which aims to foster goodwill and strengthen ties with neighboring countries.
• It has contributed significantly to the economic and social development of Bhutan and has been a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

About Border Road Organisation (BRO)

• Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a leading road construction agency in India responsible for developing and maintaining strategic road infrastructure along the country’s borders.
• It was formed on 7 May 1960, and its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
• The BRO comes under the Ministry of Defence.
• The BRO’s primary functions and powers include the construction, maintenance, and upgradation of roads, bridges, and tunnels in border areas, providing connectivity to remote areas, and supporting India’s armed forces in border regions.
• The BRO is also responsible for maintaining roads in areas affected by natural calamities and providing assistance during rescue and relief operations.
• The BRO’s significance lies in its role in ensuring the development of road infrastructure in border areas that facilitates the movement of troops, weapons, and logistics in times of conflict.
• It also plays a vital role in promoting economic development by improving connectivity to remote areas and facilitating trade and commerce with neighboring countries.
• The BRO has been involved in several strategic projects, including the construction of the world’s highest motorable road, the Umling La Pass in Ladakh, and the development of the road network in the North-Eastern states.

India-Bhutan Relation

• India and Bhutan share a unique and close relationship that has been characterized by cultural, historical, and economic ties for centuries.
• India was the first country to recognize Bhutan’s independence, and the two countries have since maintained strong diplomatic relations.
• India and Bhutan have a long-standing friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
• India has been providing extensive assistance to Bhutan since its independence in 1947, including financial aid, technical assistance, and capacity-building support.
• The Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed in 1949 and promotes peace, friendship, free trade, and equal justice between the two countries.
  • In 2007, the treaty was re-negotiated to encourage Bhutan’s sovereignty and remove the need for India’s guidance on foreign policy.
• Both countries are members of multilateral forums such as SAARC, BBIN, and BIMSTEC.
• India and Bhutan have also developed close people-to-people ties, with thousands of Bhutanese students studying in India and many Indian tourists visiting Bhutan every year.
• In recent years, India and Bhutan have increased their cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure development, trade, energy, and security. India has played a significant role in the development of Bhutan’s hydropower sector, which is a major source of revenue for the country.
  • Hydro-power cooperation forms the core of bilateral economic cooperation, with Bhutan and India engaging in mutually beneficial projects.
  • The 720 MW Mangdechhu project was commissioned in August 2019, and other hydroelectric projects such as Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II, and Kholongchhu HEP are under various stages of implementation.
• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner.
• The two countries also cooperate on issues related to regional and global security, and India has provided assistance to Bhutan in strengthening its defense capabilities.
• Additionally, India has played an important role in mediating border disputes between Bhutan and China.

• 3 August Current Affairs 2023 in English
• MoU Between Subroto Mukerjee Sports and Education Society and All India Football Federation (AIFF) to Promote Football at Grassroot Level
• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Delivers Keynote Address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony
• Education Ministry Forms Expert Panel on Anti-Discrimination in Higher Education
• Concerns Arise Over Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park

FAQs