Trailblazers of Change: BRO breaks gender barriers with women officers in key command roles

Col Ponung Doming was selected to head a Task Force at Hanle, Ladakh, which was shifted specially to handle some strategically very important BRO projects.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), since its inception in 1960 had only male officers due to the nature of task and isolated deployments for prolonged periods cutting roads in tough terrains under most treacherous weather conditions along our land borders.

Around two decades back, handful of women officers started joining but was only appointed to staff roles considering the risks involved in ground tasks.

However, a historical decision was taken by Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on March 8, 2021 to provide a gender neutral environment to women officers in line with current government’s theme of ‘Naari Sashaktikaran’ and first woman officer EE (Civ) Vaishali S Hiwase was posted as Officer Commanding (OC) of a Road Construction Company (RCC).

She took over her assignment on April 28, 2021 and was made responsible for one of the toughest roads of BRO, connecting Munshiyari to Milam glacier in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Soon after, Executive Engineer (Civ) Obin Taki was appointed as Officer Commanding of an Road Construction Company (RCC) for construction of roads and bridges in inhospitable Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the success of this initiative, an all women RCC was established at Pipalkoti in Chamoli district and Major Aaina Rana was given the command of this RCC on August 30, 2021.

Notably, all three Platoon Commanders under her were also women officers. She was responsible for development of roads till Mana pass – the second highest pass in the country after Umlingla, perched at 18,478 feet. The RCC performed exceedingly well under her dynamic leadership.

On October 22, 2022, Prime Minister came to Mana village and laid the foundation stone for widening of this strategically important road till Mana pass.

Colonel Navneet Duggal, OC of a Field Workshop deployed in Kashmir valley also became the first EME officer to command a workshop in most difficult and challenging location, ensuring technical support to road construction activities in toughest terrain.

Lt Col (now Colonel) Snigdha Sharma became the first women officer to head the Legal Cell in Headquarters of BRO. She efficiently managed over 700 court cases, upholding the organisation’s legal integrity. All these women officers’ success and singular achievements while heading their sub units, not only shattered gender barriers but also set new standards of excellence within BRO.

Taking this initiative ahead, Col Archana Sood was appointed as Commander of a Task Force at Zero in Arunachal Pradesh in Feb 23. She became first woman officer to lead a Task Force in BRO.

In June,2023, Col Ponung Doming was selected to head a Task Force at Hanle, Ladakh, which was shifted specially to handle some strategically very important BRO projects. She was given two more women officers in staff to assist her in undertaking construction of world’s highest road at 19400 feet in Chumar sector connecting Likaru – Migla – Fukche, world’s one of the highest fighter air base at Nyoma and Chushul – Dungti – Fukche – Demchok road along LAC under most trying conditions. Hanle Task Force is world’s highest construction agency located at 15000 feet. She is also responsible to maintain world’s highest road at Umlingla connecting Demchok to Chisumle.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has expressed strong belief in the active role of women in nation-building efforts. Emphasising on its multi-faceted approach towards women empowerment, BRO offers varied employment roles, growth opportunities in a gender-neutral environment, access to proper healthcare, and opportunities for adventure and sports. The organisation encourages holistic development of women, celebrating their leading roles in all walks of life. As part of the ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, BRO supported women-led adventure activities, showcasing their strength and spirit. Key highlights include a multidisciplinary expedition involving mountain trekking, white water rafting, and cycling, and an all-women electric vehicle rally promoting environmental consciousness. For the first time in BRO’s history, women were entrusted with command assignments, a move that proved to be a game-changer. The women officers worked tirelessly, proving their worth and paving the way for more women to join BRO and perform to the best of their abilities.

Their sincere efforts have significantly quickened project timelines and also set a powerful and inspiring example for other organisations to follow. The government has been vigorously advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment. This drive is apparent in various sectors, including defence and infrastructure development where the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has a crucial role.

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