Jammu: Project Sampark, a vital arm of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marked its 50th anniversary with a grand ceremony celebrating five decades of dedication to nation-building. The event saw the release of a Special Cover, symbolizing the project’s remarkable journey since its establishment on January 1, 1975.
Maj Gen MK Khan, VSM, Additional Director General of Army Postal Services (APS), presented the Special Cover to DG Border Roads, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, VSM, who officially unveiled it during the ceremony. The event was attended by Brig Neeraj Madan, Chief Engineer of Project Sampark, and senior officers from HQ DGBR.
Originally carved out of Project Beacon, Project Sampark began with an initial outlay of ₹3.4 crore and a road network spanning 500 kilometers, focusing on areas south of the Pir Panjal range. Over the years, the project has expanded significantly, now maintaining approximately 3,000 kilometers of roadways with an annual budget of ₹1,400 crore. Its operations cover key border districts in Jammu, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch, ensuring strategic connectivity and fostering socio-economic growth in these regions.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the DG Border Roads also unveiled a “Bridge Compendium,” highlighting the extraordinary bridging achievements of Project Sampark over the past five decades. The compendium serves as a tribute to the relentless efforts of the project’s personnel, who have overcome extreme challenges to construct vital infrastructure. These bridges not only span geographical obstacles like rivers and ravines but also connect remote communities to mainstream trade routes, transforming lives in the process.
Project Sampark has been instrumental in driving socio-economic development, opening new trade opportunities, and enhancing grassroots communication. Its ethos of “Connecting, Caring, and Contributing” aligns with the BRO’s mission of fostering national integration and regional growth. The project has played a crucial role in connecting remote and inhospitable regions, improving access, and enhancing livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan lauded the dedication and hard work of Project Sampark’s team, encouraging them to continue their mission with the same enthusiasm and zeal. He emphasized the project’s role as a growth engine, transforming landscapes and lives across its operational areas.
With 50 glorious years behind it, Project Sampark rededicated itself to its motto, Sadaiv Agrasar (Always Forward) 24x7x365, promising to continue its legacy of excellence in road and infrastructure development. The Golden Jubilee celebrations not only honored the project’s rich history but also reinforced its commitment to building a stronger, better-connected future for the nation.
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