MESSAGE FROM THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF ON 243RD CORPS DAY
On the momentous occasion of the 243rd Anniversary of the Corps of Engineers, I extend my heartiest felicitations to the entire fraternity of the Corps and their families. The Sappers continue to strive hard to uphold the ethos of the Indian Army and contribute positively in the nation building. The past year witnessed the Corps providing crucial engineering support to the three services meeting the dynamic changes of the environment. In essence, our actions truly embody the motto of our Corps ‘SARVATRA’ signifying its omnipresence. I am sanguine that we will maintain this commitment in future as well.
The Combat Engineers have demonstrated their excellence by providing relentless operational support to field formations. Remarkable progress has been achieved in development of infrastructure along Northern Borders through infusion of latest technologies in concept and execution of operational works. Over 1000 Billeting Assets, new Operation Tracks of over 300 kms and a large No of Aerial Cableways, Mountain Bridges, Helipads, Drop Zones, Hangars, Caverns and Gun Emplacements have been created / rehabilitated in the year gone by in inhospitable terrain & climatic conditions. Indian Army has gained strategic edge as a result of modernisation of Engineer Equipment in the last year with induction of Short Span Bridge, Modular Bridge Universal and Assault Track-way, thereby enhancing the mobility & battlefeild readiness. Combat Engineers continue to make remarkable contribution in missions under the flag of the United Nations across the globe. For incident free conduct of G20 Summit 2023, the Sappers provided teams for anti-sabotage, area-sanitisation and CBRN contingency. For successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra, the Corps deployed equipment along both routes for snow clearance and route opening. The Engineers played important part in rescue operations post the train accident in Balasore, Odisha as also provided relief and rescue to the populace in flood ravaged regions across the country.
With footprints over 600 locations, Military Engineering Service is one of the oldest and largest premier construction agencies in the Country. MES has undertaken multifarious infrastructure development activities such as Residential, Office and Hospital Buildings; Roads and Runways; Marine Structures, Docks, Jetties & Harbours across the length and breadth of the country. Regulatory manuals have been revised to ensure simplified procedures, increased transparency and optimization of Defence Land use. Latest technologies such as 3D printing, precast construction, use of Light Gauge Steel Frame & PVC Framed Engineering Steel Structures are being incorporated. As part of Environment Sustentation, MES is at the forefront in the field of energy conservation, reduction of carbon footprint and sustainable development. Provisioning of solar power plants pan India, proactive implementation of LEDisation and GRIHA Green building norms have resulted in annual savings of more than to Rs 215 Cr.
The Border Roads Organisation has displayed dedication in construction of extensive road networks in inhospitable terrain. In last one year itself BRO has completed a record 193 projects including roads, bridges, tunnels & airfields at a cost of Rs 5400 Cr constructed across eight Border States and three Union Territories. Special focus remains on Northern Boarder with high strategic importance projects such as Nechiphu Tunnel, Shinku La Tunnel, Likaru-Fukche Road & various other projects including airfields at dizzying heights. The organisation has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development in challenging and remote regions of our country while enhancing the defense readiness of Armed Forces.
Military Survey remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the geospatial field. It is one of the lead agencies for Indigenous Geographical Information System for Tri-services being hosted over Defense Communication Network. Drone based Survey is being extensively used for mapping & survey across numerous military stations of the Tri-services. Micro controller based Hand held Satellite receiver compatible with new maps are being developed for various operational requirements. Military Survey has charted a course in the coming years to take a giant leap in the field of Geographical Information System, Digital Mapping and Cartography.
We as Sappers, have consistently fostered and cultivated budding talents in sports and adventure activities. The personnel of the Corps have proudly represented us on the national and international levels, earning accolades and laurels. In the recently concluded Asian Games, our sportsmen have clinched four Silver and three Bronze medals in Rowing, Archery and Sailing. We continue to aim high, with the promise of even more outstanding achievements in the future.
I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt greetings to our Veterans for their invaluable contribution which continues to motivate us to strive harder and reach greater heights. I also pay tribute to all the brave martyrs of our Corps, whose sacrifices have allowed us to stand tall today. Lastly, I urge everyone to remain committed with renewed vigor and unified spirit, as Sappers are important contributors towards nation building. Our efforts today will chart the course for our nation’s destiny and serve as a guiding light for generations to come.
On this auspicious occasion, I wish all the members of the Corps and their families the very best in all future endeavors.
God Speed and Jai Hind !