As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Bhutan this morning on a two-day visit, ties between the two countries are once again in the spotlight. Recently, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), in an exclusive podcast with The Statesman, spoke about India’s deep affection for Bhutan and highlighted the BRO’s pivotal contributions to the Himalayan country’s road infrastructure, which has made life easier for the people in the Land of Happiness.
On the podcast, Srinivasan recalled Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s account of growing up in a Bhutan without roads, when people relied on ponies and mules to travel to their villages, and how his mother worked with the BRO that later helped build them.
| As PM Narendra Modi begins his two-day visit to Bhutan, here is a look at how India’s Border Roads Organisation has been pivotal in developing Bhutan’s road infrastructure.
On #TheStatesmanTalk podcast, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, DG, BRO, recalls Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay’s… pic.x.com/6RP5OdyUta
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“It was a great honour. I called on His Majesty the King, the Honourable Prime Minister, and various government officials. They have the greatest regard for India’s support and friendship, which the Government of India has extended since inception. Both the Army and BRO have deep linkages with Bhutan,” the Lieutenant General told The Statesman.
He apprised that all major roads, from Phuentsholing to Thimphu, east-west connectivity, Paro airfield, and communication buildings, were built by the BRO.
“I don’t know if you’ve read the autobiography of His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan’s Prime Minister. He grew up in Kalimpong; there were no roads in Bhutan then — three-day trips on ponies or mules. His mother was employed with the BRO. We have great affection, and work continues,” he added.
Modi, who arrived in Bhutan today for a two-day visit, today made an important announcement, stating that in the near future, India will build an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to further facilitate visitors and investors.