New Delhi: In a historic milestone for gender inclusivity and operational leadership in India’s defence establishment, Colonel Sphurti Kulkarni has officially taken charge as the Commanding Officer of the 45 Task Force under Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). She formally assumed command on July 30, 2026, becoming the first female officer to lead this vital field formation.
Her appointment marks a major step forward in expanding operational and field command roles for women officers in strategically sensitive border regions.
1. Overview & Operational Role
The 45 Task Force operates under Project Chetak, one of the key projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation under the Ministry of Defence.
- Strategic Focus: The task force is responsible for constructing, upgrading, and maintaining critical road infrastructure, bridges, and transport corridors along India’s western border sector.
- Military Mobility: Maintains high-altitude and border routes to ensure seamless movement of troops, heavy weaponry, logistics, and supplies for defense forces.
- Civilian Integration: Enhances socio-economic development by providing remote border villages with reliable access to administrative centers, emergency medical care, and regional markets.
2. Key Responsibilities as Commanding Officer
As the Commanding Officer of the 45 Task Force, Colonel Sphurti Kulkarni oversees complex engineering tasks under demanding environmental conditions:
- Engineering & Construction: Directing multi-disciplinary engineering teams in executing road, bridge, and infrastructure projects along sensitive sectors.
- Workforce & Logistics Management: Managing large deployments of military engineers, technical staff, and local workforce in remote and harsh climatic zones.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Coordinating seamlessly with the Indian Armed Forces, civil administration, and local border authorities to maintain operational readiness.
3. Broader Context: Rising Leadership of Women in BRO
Colonel Kulkarni’s historic takeover aligns with a broader push by the Border Roads Organisation to promote merit-based leadership and deploy senior women officers into key operational commands:
- Project BEACON: Earlier, Colonel Shikha Bhadauria assumed command of the 32 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project BEACON, overseeing strategic routes in North Kashmir and supporting the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra infrastructure.
- Institutional Ethos: The BRO emphasized that these appointments exemplify its core commitment to excellence and meritocracy, guided by its motto, “Shramen Sarvam Saadyam” (Everything can be achieved through hard work).
4. Strategic Significance
Fast-tracked border infrastructure development has become a top defense priority along India’s international borders. Entrusting senior field formations like the 45 Task Force to capable women officers reinforces the Armed Forces’ resolve to utilize talent and leadership capabilities across critical national security missions.
