GANGTOK: Project SWASTIK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 66th Raising Day on October 1, 2026 at Gangtok. BRO celebrates the milestone marking sixty-six years of dedicated service towards developing, maintaining and restoring vital road connectivity across Sikkim. Raised in 1960, the Project has been entrusted with connecting remote valleys and forward areas with the national road network, supporting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and facilitating socio-economic
development in the State. Under the flagship project SWASTIK, BRO constructed several roads for the armed forces leading to the forward area which are of immense importance for the nation’s defence.
Over the past six decades, Project SWASTIK has constructed and maintained more than 1,412 km of roads and over 80 bridges across challenging mountainous and high-altitude terrain. During the last decade alone, the Project has constructed over 350 km of roads, 26 bridges and one tunnel strengthening access to remote habitations and forward areas.
Despite recurring challenges posed by glacial lake outburst floods, cloudbursts and flooding of the Teesta River, the Project has undertaken extensive restoration works to sustain essential connectivity. Major achievements include reopening critical road axes, re-establishing vital lifelines for remote communities and strengthening strategic connectivity. Beyond Sikkim, the Project was entrusted with restoring connectivity across the damaged Vikramshila Setu at Bhagalpur, Bihar, where it launched four bridges on a mission mode to restore a vital link for local communities.
In recognition of its performance, Project SWASTIK was adjudged the Best Project among 17 Projects of BRO for FY 2025–26 by the Director General Border Roads. The Project was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Independence Day 2026.
As part of the 66th Raising Day celebrations, wreaths were laid at the Swastik Memorial to honour personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Prayers were offered at the Sarv Dharam Sthal. A Sainik Sammelan, Barakhana, cultural programmes and the Swastik Mela brought together officers, personnel and their families, strengthening camaraderie and team spirit.
The Project continues to accord priority to the welfare of Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs), whose contribution remains integral to infrastructure development in Sikkim. Welfare measures include improved accommodation, insulated shelters with safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, winter clothing, protective equipment, regular health check-ups and medical camps.
As Project SWASTIK enters its sixty-seventh year, it remains committed to strengthening Sikkim’s strategic infrastructure and sustaining vital connectivity in challenging conditions. Through its roads, bridges and restoration efforts, the Project continues to support operational preparedness while improving access to essential services and economic opportunities for local communities.
