Over 1,200 BRO Employees, Labourers Lost Lives In Last 5 Years – Minister of State for Defence
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 31st March 2025: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is responsible for constructing roads, bridges, and tunnels to facilitate transportation for the Indian Armed Forces in border regions, especially in remote areas. Despite operating in extreme conditions, BRO ensures smooth military movement by executing various infrastructure projects.
However, during the construction of such facilities, accidents frequently occur, sometimes leading to the unfortunate deaths of BRO employees and contractual/civilian workers.
BRO has recorded around 200 accidents and incidents in the last five years. Shockingly, these incidents have resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 personnel.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth recently presented details in the Lok Sabha regarding accidents in BRO, the fatalities involved, and the safety measures implemented. As per the data shared by Seth, between 2020 and 2024, there were 201 accidents and incidents during BRO operations across the country. These resulted in the deaths of 1,279 personnel, including both BRO employees and contractual/civilian workers. Additionally, 166 people were reported injured.
To address these accidents and enhance safety for BRO personnel, Minister Seth stated that BRO has conducted security assessments in high-altitude and hazardous regions. It has mapped avalanche-prone areas and identified sharp turns and landslide zones. Safety strategies are being developed in coordination with security forces. Camps, bunkers, and shelters have been set up at work sites to ensure employee safety.
Government Initiatives for Employee Welfare –
-To improve safety protocols and medical support for BRO and contractual/civilian workers, the government has introduced several measures
-Provision of snow huts, pre-fabricated shelters, mobile container houses, portable toilets, safe drinking water, transport facilities, and refreshment centers at work sites.
-Strict adherence to security protocols based on local conditions.
– First aid facilities, Advanced Medical Inspection Rooms (AMIR), Central Medical Inspection Rooms (CMIR), and Mobile Medical Units at each BRO unit/worksite.
-Distribute safety jackets, helmets, boots, winter clothing, and other essential safety equipment to workers.
-Compensation & Insurance for BRO & contractual/civilian workers
-BRO personnel and contractual/civilian workers are covered under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, for workplace injuries and fatalities.
-Families of General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel who die in service receive ex-gratia compensation.
-Families of deceased or disabled contractual workers receive lump-sum ex-gratia compensation from the Ministry of Defence.
-GREF employees are covered under the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme.
– Contractual workers in BRO are provided with a group (term) insurance scheme covering ₹10 lakh in case of death.
Accident Data Over the Last Five Years (Source: Lok Sabha Report)
Year Number of Accidents
2020 44
2021 34
2022 46
2023 40
2024 37
Number of BRO & Contractual Employee Fatalities in Accidents
Year: BRO Employee Deaths: contractual/civilian workers Deaths
2020 – 156 – 112
2021 – 172 – 134
2022 – 123 – 100
2023 – 129 – 119
2024 – 124 – 110
Number of Injured Employees
Year BRO Employees Injured contractual/civilian workers Injured
2020 25 20
2021 20 15
2022 15 10
2023 18 16
2024 15 12
This data highlights the risks faced by BRO personnel and contractual/civilian workers, along with the government’s efforts to improve safety measures and provide financial assistance to the affected families.
