Colonel Shikha Bhadauria Assumes Command of 32 BRTF in BRO's Project BEACON Effort

Colonel Shikha Bhadauria has taken command of the 32 Border Roads Task Force under Project BEACON, marking a significant achievement for women in leadership within the Border Roads Organisation.

Assuming her role on April 30, 2026, Colonel Bhadauria leads a key formation responsible for maintaining critical road networks in North Kashmir. The region's challenging terrain and severe weather conditions pose significant hurdles to infrastructure development.

This formation is essential for ensuring uninterrupted access to strategically important areas, supporting the movement of military personnel, equipment, essential supplies, and civilian traffic across the region.

Colonel Bhadauria's appointment marks a notable increase in the involvement of women officers in pivotal command roles that require technical expertise, logistics management, and operational leadership. As the commander of 32 BRTF, she oversees the construction, upkeep, and enhancement of critical roads and infrastructure as part of Project BEACON.

Her responsibilities include managing personnel and resources, overseeing engineering projects, coordinating with military and civil authorities, and ensuring the operational status of key routes despite challenging conditions.

The region of North Kashmir presents some of the toughest working environments for road construction and maintenance, with challenges such as heavy snowfall, landslides, steep mountainous terrain, and restricted work seasons frequently hindering connectivity.

BRO formations in the region are tasked with promptly responding to road blockages, weather-related damage, and emergencies to restore movement on critical routes. The 32 BRTF also supports the infrastructure necessary for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a pilgrimage attracting numerous devotees navigating challenging Himalayan routes to reach the revered cave shrine.

Ensuring the maintenance of approach roads and related infrastructure for the pilgrimage is a significant responsibility, demanding meticulous planning, coordination, and ongoing monitoring. BRO personnel undertake road repairs, surface improvements, snow clearance, and emergency restoration work as needed to keep the routes safe and accessible.

Under Colonel Bhadauria’s leadership, the formation will continue to support both strategic and civilian connectivity, contributing to the seamless conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

Project BEACON is a pivotal initiative of the Border Roads Organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, responsible for developing and maintaining strategic roads that connect remote, mountainous, and border areas.

This project enhances operational readiness by improving military mobility and ensuring access to areas crucial for national security. Simultaneously, the roads under Project BEACON significantly benefit local populations.

Improved connectivity facilitates better access to healthcare, education, markets, employment opportunities, and government services for those living in remote areas. Colonel Bhadauria’s command role is thus closely linked to national security and nation-building.

Her leadership highlights the confidence placed in women officers to manage major field formations and deliver essential infrastructure in demanding operational environments. Women officers in the BRO are increasingly taking on roles in remote and high-altitude areas, supervising road, bridge, and tunnel projects while leading teams in harsh conditions.

These roles demand technical proficiency, administrative capability, operational insight, and strong leadership. Colonel Bhadauria’s appointment demonstrates the recognition of professional merit, experience, and capability in assigning responsibilities to women officers.

Leading a task force like 32 BRTF involves managing multiple sites, optimizing manpower and equipment, and adhering to strict project timelines. The role requires close coordination among engineers, field units, local authorities, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

The formation must remain ready to address sudden disruptions from weather, terrain, and operational needs. Colonel Bhadauria’s command represents a step forward in the Border Roads Organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

This appointment reflects the broader expansion of women’s roles in uniformed and technical organizations involved in national security and infrastructure development. Her leadership is expected to inspire more women officers to pursue challenging field assignments and command roles.

The achievement recognizes the significant contribution of women officers to strategic connectivity, operational readiness, and regional development. BRO describes such appointments as a testament to its commitment to excellence, professionalism, and inclusive leadership.

By entrusting Colonel Shikha Bhadauria with the command of 32 BRTF, the organization emphasizes its focus on empowering capable leaders to build, connect, and strengthen the nation. As she leads the formation in North Kashmir, Colonel Bhadauria will play a critical role in maintaining strategic roads, supporting the armed forces, aiding local communities, and contributing to the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Her appointment resonates with the Border Roads Organisation's enduring values and its motto, “श्रमेण सर्वं साध्यम्,” underscoring that all can be achieved through hard work.