Project Deepak of BRO: Himachal roads and key BRO projects

6 May 20261 min read

Why in the news

Project Deepak marked its Raising Day on May 4, 2026. The unit supports the armed forces and also serves people living in the Western Himalayas.

Project Deepak is an executive arm of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Headquarters: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; parent body: BRO under the Ministry of Defence.
Mandate: building and maintaining strategic infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, including the Manali-Leh axis and Hindustan-Tibet Road.

A specialised force set up on May 7, 1960 to build and maintain strategic roads in border areas and friendly neighbouring countries.
Led by the Directorate General of Border Roads (DGBR).
Operates 18 projects across 11 states, 3 UTs and areas such as Bhutan, keeping the armed forces ready, mainly along the LAC.

Project	Region	Focus
Deepak	Himachal Pradesh	Manali-Leh axis, Hindustan-Tibet Road
Himank	Ladakh	Highest motorable roads such as Umling La and Khardung La
Dantak	Bhutan	Friendship project for infrastructure in Bhutan
Beacon	Jammu and Kashmir	Zojila Pass and Kashmir Valley links

Parent ministry: Defence; headquarters of Deepak: Shimla.
Match the pairs: Himank-Ladakh, Dantak-Bhutan, Beacon-Jammu and Kashmir.
Relevant to UPSC GS-1 and GS-3 (border infrastructure, Western Himalayas) and defence exams.

Test yourself

1. Where is the headquarters of Project Deepak of the Border Roads Organisation located?

Project Deepak is headquartered in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

2. Which BRO project is associated with infrastructure development in Bhutan?

Project Dantak is the friendship project in Bhutan.

3. Under which ministry does the Border Roads Organisation function?

BRO is a specialised force under the Ministry of Defence.