Lieutenant General Harpal Singh, AVSM, VSM, Director General Border Roads (DGBR), formally presented the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) to two distinguished recipients on August 25, 2026, recognising their exemplary service to the nation.
The prestigious military decoration was presented to Chief Engineer (Civil) Subhash Chandra Looniya (Retired), VSM, and Chief Engineer (Civil) Srinivasa Rao Rangineni, VSM, in recognition of their distinguished service and professional contribution.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) congratulated both Chief Engineers on receiving the honour, describing the presentation as a proud occasion celebrating distinguished service to the nation.
The Vishisht Seva Medal is an Indian Armed Forces decoration awarded for distinguished service of a high order. The award recognises personnel whose professional performance, dedication and contribution have stood out during the discharge of their responsibilities.
For personnel associated with the Border Roads Organisation, such recognition assumes particular significance because of the demanding conditions under which the organisation operates. BRO is responsible for developing and maintaining strategically important infrastructure across some of India’s most difficult and remote regions.
Its engineers and personnel undertake the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, tunnels and other critical infrastructure in areas characterised by high altitude, extreme weather, difficult terrain and challenging geological conditions.
Chief Engineers occupy important leadership and technical positions within this system. Their responsibilities can involve overseeing major infrastructure projects, managing engineering resources and personnel, coordinating complex construction activities and ensuring that strategically important projects meet operational and technical requirements.
Many BRO projects carry both strategic and developmental significance. Infrastructure constructed in remote border regions supports the movement and operational requirements of the Armed Forces while simultaneously providing improved connectivity to local populations.
The recognition of CE (Civil) Subhash Chandra Looniya (Retd) and CE (Civil) Srinivasa Rao Rangineni therefore also highlights the contribution made by the organisation’s engineering leadership towards strengthening India’s border infrastructure.
The award ceremony was particularly meaningful for retired Chief Engineer Subhash Chandra Looniya, allowing his contribution during years of service to be formally recognised even after completion of his active career.
For serving Chief Engineer Srinivasa Rao Rangineni, the decoration represents recognition of professional excellence and distinguished service while continuing to shoulder responsibilities within the organisation.
Lt Gen Harpal Singh’s presentation of the medals also highlighted BRO’s tradition of recognising personnel whose work contributes to the organisation’s wider mission of strengthening connectivity and strategic infrastructure.
Behind major roads, bridges and tunnels completed by BRO are teams of engineers, supervisors and personnel who often work for extended periods in environments where construction itself becomes a formidable challenge.
Recognition through decorations such as the Vishisht Seva Medal acknowledges this professional commitment and the contribution of individuals whose leadership helps translate ambitious infrastructure plans into operational assets on the ground.
The presentation on August 25 consequently represented both individual recognition and a celebration of the values of professionalism, dedication and service associated with the Border Roads Organisation.
BRO extended its congratulations to CE (Civil) Subhash Chandra Looniya (Retd), VSM, and CE (Civil) Srinivasa Rao Rangineni, VSM, marking their achievement as a proud moment for the organisation and its personnel serving across the country.
