By: Lt. Col Ajay Kumar Sharma
PRO Defence
The Defence Minister Shri ManoharParrikar has emphasized the need to incorporate the latest technologies in solving the challenges and enhancing the pace of construction of roads, bridges and tunnels in the inaccessible and far-flung border areas, which is a major problem faced by Border Roads Organisation (BRO). He was addressing the inaugural function of a two-day ‘International Seminar on New Construction Materials Techniques and Design in Bridge, Tunnel and Road Construction Suitable for Infrastructure Development in Inaccessible Border Area’ at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, today. The Minister said, construction materials which behave normal in plain areas may not be conducive in the extreme cold climate of high altitude areas. He stressed the need for the application of nanotechnology which will be of great use in soil stabilisation, being a pre-requisite for construction of roads and tunnels in such areas. ShriParrikar appreciated the efforts of BRO for introduction of latest technologies for improving the efficacy and pace of construction in the various projects undertaken by the organisation. The Minister also released a souvenir on the occasion. The seminar is being organised by BRO in partnership with Indian Institution of Bridge Engineers, Delhi State Centre (IIBE, DSC) and in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, National Highways Authority of India, Central Public Works Department and Ministry of Railways.
Speaking on the occasion the Director General Border Roads Lt Gen RM Mittal said road construction has become very vital in infrastructure development of the country. He said for enhancing its efficacy the BRO has not only imparted training to its officers in India and abroad to hone their skills, but also has introduced new technologies in the construction of roads, bridges and tunnels in the recent months.
The aim of this seminar is to evaluate and identify latest techniques and construction materials for building roads, bridges and tunnels, thereby enhancing the speed of the construction and to meet the strategic needs of the Army in border areas. It will also address the issues pertaining to the regulatory mechanism and procedural hurdles for enhancing the use of latest technologies and materials in the construction industry. Chairman of IIBE, DSC Lt Gen (Retd) AK Puri and Managing Director of Tandon Consultants Pvt. Ltd Prof. Mahesh Tandon also addressed the gathering.
Later the Defence Minister visited the exhibition stalls set up by various engineering companies displaying their products.