Guwahati, Sept 13:    The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) organized a coordination meeting with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Friday to discuss current and future infrastructure projects in the Northeastern region. The focus of the meeting was to enhance cooperation for the smooth implementation of these vital projects.

Key IOCL representatives, including Satyendra Sahai, Chief General Manager (MCO); Debabrata Bandyopadhyay, General Manager (IB) WBSO; and R.K. Shahab, General Manager (IB) AODSO, participated alongside senior BRO officials.

Harendra Kumar, Additional Director General of Border Roads (East), opened the session by emphasizing the long-standing partnership between BRO and IOCL. He highlighted their joint role in nation-building, with BRO constructing roads in remote, strategic areas and IOCL providing essential supplies like oil, bitumen, and lubricants.

Kumar noted that IOCL supplies 70-80% of BRO’s needs for oil products and bitumen, ensuring the timely completion of infrastructure in the Northeast. Last year, IOCL delivered over 84% of the required High-Speed Diesel (HSD) and more than 51% of the bitumen for regional projects.

For the current year, BRO expects to need 33,327.64 kilolitres of oil products and 11,572.39 kilolitres of bitumen for its Northeast projects, with IOCL continuing to play a crucial role. Despite logistical difficulties during the monsoon season, both organizations are dedicated to improving supply chains to reach remote areas.

The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration, resolve pending issues, and develop plans for uninterrupted project delivery. Discussions also focused on addressing supply chain challenges, including deploying smaller Bulk Petroleum Lorries (BPLs) to access difficult terrain.

The event ended on a positive note, with both BRO and IOCL committed to advancing connectivity and infrastructure development in the Northeastern states, ensuring continued cooperation for future projects.