BRO's Afghan roadlink with Iran to complete by 2008-end

New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) Security concerns notwithstanding, the strategic 219-KM-long Deleram-Zaranj road -- affording India a land-route through Iranian ports to the Central Asian Republics -- is expected to be completed by 2008-end.

Under construction since the last two years by the Indian Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the road -- from Velaran to Zaranj and linking to the Garland Highway in Afghanistan -- is finally estimated to cost some Rs 400 crore.

It will make operational a much needed trade route through Iran not only for Afghanistan but also for the former Soviet republics of central Asia, according to Director General Border Roads Lieutenant General KS Rao.

Briefing mediapersons here on the eve of the 47th Anniversary of the BRO, Lt Gen Rao said the pioneering organisation -- in its crusade to ''create, connect and care'' -- had grown from just two projects at its birth in May 1960 to as many as 12 projects spread over 25 states -- mostly in the north and north-east of the country.

And initially conceived to construct and maintain roads in the north and north-eastern sectors to meet the operational and strategic requirements of the Armed Forces, the organisation had since made a vast contribution to the socio-economic development of the border states by opening up the hinterland to the rest of the country.

Over the years, BRO has diversified into the construction of airfields, permanent bridges, building projects and tunnelling -- and has so far completed more than 44,000 kms of roads and 22,000 metres of permanent bridges.

Besides, BRO has a presence in as many as three neighbouring countries -- Bhutan, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Not only has it built the Paro airfield and the terminal building in Bhutan, it has also constructed the Dragon Kingdom's only college building and the Indian Chancery building in Thimphu.

And after it finished building the 160-km-long Tamu-Kalemyo- Kalewa road in Myanmar, BRO was entrusted in 2001 the task of maintaining for six years this vital road link in north-western Myanmar which aims at boosting India's bilateral trade with south-east Asia through Moreh and Namphalong in Myanmar, said Lt Gen Rao.

Yet another prestigious project under implementation by BRO is the construction of the Rohtang Tunnel on the Manali-Leh national highway -- likely to be completed by 2011.

The tunnel -- the first of its kind in the world being built at an altitude of 3,100 metres above the sea level -- is likely to cost some Rs 1,700 crore and would facilitate regular traffic on the 450-km-long Manali-Leh road for more than eight months in a year.

The tunnel is of immense strategic importance as the Lahaul and Pangi valleys would become accessible for about nine months in a year with the completion of this project.

During 'Operation Vijay' -- the 1999 Kargil Conflict, the Manali-Leh road was extensively used to carry men and material to the battle field with personnel of BRO's 'Project Deepak' working day and night to keep this road open all through the conflict- duration.

The tunnel was a challenging job for 'Project Deepak' since provision of fresh air would have to be made for the passengers and the men at work at a height of 3,100 metres above the sea level and beneath the 13,000 feet-high Rohtang pass.

UNI