IMPROVEMENT OF JAWAHAR LAL MARG, SIKKIM.

Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg is a 47km long strategic road, which is essential not only for sustenance of armed forces deployed in East Sikkim along China border but also vital for purpose of trade with China, prestigious Kailash Mansarover Yatra, move of numerous tourists towards famous Nathula Pass and Harbhajan Baba Mandir. In 1961, JNM was developed as Cl-5 road by CPWD. Post raising of Border Roads Organisation, in May 1964 JNM was handed over to BRO. Due to its strategic and socio-economic importance, since then BRO has worked relentlessly to upgrade JNM road initially to Cl-9 specification and subsequently to NHDL specification and also undertook re-alignment work to by-pass vulnerable and land slide prone stretches. 

JNM passes through cloud covered valleys and experiences prolonged heavy rainfalls because of which, riding surface of JNM got deteriorated badly and had adversely affecting movement of both tourists and armed forces. Brave Karmyogis of Project SWASTIK under Border Roads Organisation, under took challenging task of not only to improve the riding surface but also to enhance the road safety aspect. With an aim to provide world class experience to users of JNM, numerous initiatives are undertaken by brave Karmyogis of Project SWASTIK which includes curve improvement, installation of various road safety measures, cautionary road marking, installation of dynamic caution boards and resurfacing work. Works are undertaken in two phases. As part of Phase-I, road stretch between Tashi view point and Mandakini waterfall has been completed and balance work under phase-II, between Madakini waterfall and Sherathang stretch has commenced in full swing. Painstaking efforts displayed by BRO karmyogis, spite of adverse weather conditions and heavy rainfall has reduced the travelling time substantially.

 Earlier tourist used to take approximately two hours to reach Nathula Pass, but now they can cover the same distance in less than one and half hours. Selfless service displayed by brave Karmyogis of Project SWASTIK under the dynamic leadership of Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry,  VSM, Director General Border Roads, has won the hearts and minds of everyone. Efforts of Project SWASTIK and BRO has boosted the influx of tourists many a fold towards East Sikkim.