Colonel Shikha Bhadauria has assumed command of 32 Border Roads Task Force under Project BEACON, marking another important milestone for women officers in leadership roles within the Border Roads Organisation.
She took over the strategically significant formation on 30 April 2026. The 32 BRTF is responsible for maintaining and strengthening crucial road connectivity in North Kashmir, where difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions make infrastructure development a demanding operational responsibility.
The formation plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted access to strategically important areas. Its road networks support the movement of armed forces personnel, military equipment, essential supplies and civilian traffic across the region.
Colonel Bhadauria’s appointment reflects the growing participation of women officers in key command positions involving complex engineering, logistics and field operations. As the commander of 32 BRTF, she is responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance and improvement of important roads and related infrastructure under Project BEACON.
Her role includes managing personnel and resources, supervising engineering projects, coordinating with military and civil authorities, and ensuring that critical routes remain operational despite challenging weather and terrain.
North Kashmir presents some of the most difficult working conditions for road construction and maintenance. Heavy snowfall, landslides, steep mountainous terrain and limited working seasons can frequently disrupt connectivity.
BRO formations deployed in the region are required to respond quickly to road blockages, weather-related damage and other emergencies to restore movement on vital routes. The 32 BRTF also contributes to infrastructure support for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The pilgrimage draws a large number of devotees who travel through difficult Himalayan routes to reach the holy cave shrine.
Maintaining the approach roads and associated infrastructure for the pilgrimage is a major responsibility that requires careful planning, coordination and continuous monitoring. BRO personnel work to keep the routes safe and accessible by carrying out road repairs, surface improvement, snow clearance and emergency restoration work wherever required.
Under Colonel Bhadauria’s command, the formation will continue supporting both strategic and civilian connectivity while also contributing to the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Project BEACON is one of the Border Roads Organisation’s most important projects in Jammu and Kashmir. It is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic roads that connect remote, mountainous and border areas.
The project supports operational preparedness by improving the mobility of the armed forces and ensuring access to areas that are important from a national security perspective. At the same time, the roads developed and maintained under Project BEACON provide significant benefits to local communities.
Improved connectivity enables easier access to healthcare, education, markets, employment opportunities and government services for residents living in remote areas. Colonel Bhadauria’s command appointment is therefore closely linked to both national security and nation-building.
Her leadership of the task force highlights the trust placed in women officers to manage major field formations and deliver critical infrastructure in difficult operational environments. Women officers in the BRO are increasingly serving in remote and high-altitude areas, where they supervise road, bridge and tunnel projects and lead teams working under harsh conditions.
These assignments demand technical competence, administrative ability, operational awareness and strong leadership. The appointment of Colonel Bhadauria demonstrates that women officers are being given responsibilities based on professional merit, experience and capability.
Leading a task force such as 32 BRTF involves managing multiple work sites, ensuring efficient use of manpower and equipment, and meeting demanding project timelines. It also requires the commander to maintain close coordination among engineers, field units, local authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The formation must remain prepared to deal with sudden disruptions caused by weather, terrain and operational requirements. Colonel Bhadauria’s assumption of command represents another step forward in the Border Roads Organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership.
It also reflects the broader expansion of women’s roles across uniformed and technical organisations involved in national security and infrastructure development. Her appointment is expected to inspire more women officers to take up challenging field assignments and command responsibilities.
The achievement stands as a recognition of the contribution made by women officers to strategic connectivity, operational preparedness and regional development. BRO has described such appointments as an expression of its commitment to excellence, professionalism and inclusive leadership.
By entrusting Colonel Shikha Bhadauria with the command of 32 BRTF, the organisation has reinforced 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 an important role in maintaining strategic roads, supporting the armed forces, assisting local communities and contributing to the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Her appointment reflects the enduring ethos of the Border Roads Organisation and its motto, “श्रमेण सर्वं साध्यम्,” meaning that everything can be achieved through hard work.
