In a major game-changer for road infrastructure in the Northern and North Eastern border states 27 double lane bridges will be built by the public sector Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for fabrication, supply, erection and launching of 27 carriageway double lane galvanised modular bridges of 7.5 meters.
The double-lane Modular Steel Bridge developed by the GRSE is the only one-of-its-kind bridge available in India and is 100 per cent indigenous.
One of the most important and critical advantages of the MoU will be the time factor as these bridges could be launched within 45 days of handing over the site by the units. This will certainly be a game-changer in road infrastructure development in the country.
The construction of such modular bridges will also enhance the operational preparedness of the security forces in the forward areas.
The two-year contract, worth around Rs 60 crore, was inked by Director General BR Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry and Officiating Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE Commodore P R Hari IN (Retd) in New Delhi on March 15, 2022.
The BRO had successfully trial evaluated an “Indigenous 140 feet Double Lane Modular Bridge” supplied by GRSE Ltd. The first of its kind indigenous bridge was dedicated to the Nation by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 28, 2021. The bridge was constructed on important “Flag Hill-Dokala” Road in Sikkim at an altitude of 11,000 feet in February 2021.
Subsequent to successful trials, discussions were held between the two agencies to conclude this MoU, under which the GRSE Ltd will be undertaking fabrication, supply, erection and launching of 27 Double Lane Modular Bridges on a number of strategic roads along the Northern and North Eastern borders.
The MoU will further lead to self-reliance and BRO’s commitment to Nation-building. It will also ensure better infrastructure development in border areas keeping in view the Nation’s security needs.
Kolkata-based GRSE is the only Defence Shipyard to have diversified into engineering business with a product profile of pre-fabricated steel bridges, various deck machinery items and assembly, testing and overhauling of marine diesel engines.
