Project Sampark was carved out of Project Beacon on 01 Jan 1975 for maintenance and construction of all roads South of Pir Panjal ranges in Northern Command with approximately 500 Kms of road network and Rs. 3.4 Crores as initial outlay.
The Project was christened ‘Sampark’ which signified its commitment to reach out and maintain harmonious relations with stakeholders and diverse agencies associated with road development work in its area of responsibility.
In a nutshell the Golden Arc of Developmental Responsibility envelopes areas South of Pir Panjal range in J & K and contiguous areas of the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh for constructing, improving and maintaining strategic road networks in the border Districts of Jammu, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch. Presently Project Sampark commands the responsibility for maintaining approximately 3000 Kms of road network with yearly financially outlay of approximately ₹ 1400 Crores.
Today Project Sampark is completing 50 glorious years of dedicated service to the nation. To commemorate the special event Maj Gen. MK Khan, VSM, ADG Army Postal Service (APS) personally presented the Special Cover in a solemn ceremony to DG Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, VSM which was released by DGBR, in the presence of Brig Neeraj Madan, Chief Engineer Project Sampark and senior officers of HQ DGBR.
In addition to release of the Special Cover, a “Bridge Compendium” of Project Sampark was released by the DG. The Bridge Compendium showcases stellar Bridging Achievements of the Project spanning last 50 Years.
The Compendium will serve as a glowing beacon to the effort put in by all ranks and file of Project Sampark, past and present and future, in the role of BRO towards improving infrastructure in the UT of J&K.
A Bridge by definition is a mechanical construct to span gaps/obstacles, across water bodies or ravines. Project Sampark is bridging and connecting the hearts, minds, hopes and aspirations of the local populace as it tames the mountains and associated terrain.
It has achieved inroads by opening new trade routes and joining the remote and inhospitable areas with the rest of the country due to its personnel working relentlessly under extreme climatic and hostile conditions with utmost enthusiasm, courage and dedication.
Consequently, the Project goal congruent to the ethos of BRO of Connecting, Caring and Contributing has been a Growth Engine spearheading gargantuan socio-economic development given its reach, spread, and depth to enhance grassroots communication and incidental Ribbon Development along areas its roads course through.
With 50 Years of glorious and stellar performance in the firmament of BRO with rich history behind , DGBR highly appreciated the work done by the rank and file encouraged them to trail blaze in the same fervour and Josh in the future too. At this poignant and historic occasion Project Sampark rededicates its strength , energy and vigour to the nation true to its motto of Sadaiv Agrasar 24x7x365.
