BRO Swastik to be raised again

Gangtok, Dec 26 (UNI) Disbanded Swastik project of the Border Roads Organization will be revived in January for upgradation of the Nathu La road project in Sikkim.

Lt Col Rajeev Sachdeva, second in command of 758 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Dantak, told UNI today here that the Swastik will be raised during mid of Januray.

Swastik, initially based in Sikkim, was disbanded by the Centre and relocated to Afghanistan in 2002-03 after the ouster of Taliban.

The project was involved in the development of infrastructure in Afghanistan under the 'Zaranj' project.

Lt Col Sachdeva said the main purpose for the project's revival was to complete the Rs 780 Nathu La double laning project for the border trade between Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region and ugradation of North Sikkim highway.

''The upgdration of North Sikkim highway is important considering the army and paramilitary presence in the border region,'' he added.

The Lt Col also said that the BRO manpower and machinery would be significantly enhanced and work force be doubled.

This would be the 14th project of BRO, he said adding that Rs 14 crores have been already submitted to the state forest department as compensation.

Sikkim had been cut off for almost a month during the monsoons this year following 30 landslides, that ravaged the NH 31 A and six road stretches.

UNI