INDIA. Mumbai: The first-ever solo woman motorcycle expedition, organized by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which comprises the Border Roads Wing and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), under the Ministry of Defence, was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from BRO Headquarters in New Delhi on Friday.
Ms. Kanchan Ugursandi, a 29-year-old lady biker with 10 years and 21,000 kms of riding experience, is undertaking the challenge to cover 3,187 kms in 24 days. As part of the expedition, she will cross Umlingla Pass, the highest motorable pass at 19,301 feet in the world, built by BRO. The route being traversed is New Delhi-Manali-Leh-Umlingla Pass–New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said this unique initiative would not only promote awareness programs in border areas on COVID-19 and road safety but will also renew and rekindle the spirit of fortitude and courage synonymous with the nation during these unprecedented times.
He also inaugurated two Centres of Excellence – Centre of Excellence for Road Safety & Awareness and Centre of Excellence for Roads, Bridges, Air Fields & Tunnels. Four software developed to optimize the work efficiency of BRO personnel, their HR management, recruitment management, enrollment and works management were also launched. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar and Director General Border Roads (DGBR), and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhary,were among the dignitaries who attended the event. Before starting her expedition, Kanchan was also felicitated by Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhary at BRO headquarters.
