Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the great visionary and the First Prime Minister of India conceptualized 'Border Roads Organisation (BRO)' in 1960.  The organisation primarily meets the defence requirements towards infrastructure development including roads, bridges, highways, airports, tunnels, buildings and other structures.

Post Chinese operations in Aksai Chin in 1960, India could not react due to lack of infrastructure in border areas. A strategic need was felt to develop road infrastructure in border areas for more effective response against such activities. None of the existing construction organisations could take up this daunting task. BRO was conceived and raised as a special organisation. It is the executive arm of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).

To ensure that bureaucratic delays do not stifle the organisation, the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru himself became the chairman of BRDB. This ensured that BRO delivered in a way that no other organisation had done in the past. However, over the years, the scenario has undergone change. Today Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence is the Chairman BRDB.