The first time I see a BRO sign is in Manali, northern India. Manali is a popular skiing and heliskiing spot in Winter so attracts plenty of New Zealanders. So it makes sense that the Kiwis were making their presence felt by putting up signs to the attention of BRO. Turns out that BRO actually stands for Border Roads Organisation. As the name suggests, they operate around the border areas of India, and are extremely active in the Indian Himalayas, clearing landslides caused by monsoonal rains and repairing the ravenous affects of the fierce Winters. BRO has put up bright, yellow concrete signs at regular intervals along the roadside to put the driver’s mind at ease. Here are some examples:

“A way to a brighter future”  “Well, that’s nice”, you think as you drive along. However, it is often unclear to the motorist as to whether BRO is rectifying or contributing to the situation. When it takes you nine hours to travel five kilometres along the infamous Rohtang Pass, you start to wonder.

“It is not a rally. Enjoy the valley” Well Rohtang Pass was more of a rally than the people at Dakar could organise!

“Accidents don’t happen. They are caused”…by BRO’s efforts perhaps?

“Peep peep. Don’t sleep” Is that one for drivers or BRO workers who like to crouch by the side of the road watching the passing parade?

“Quality improvement is our aim” Really?

But BRO also offer a bit of titillation:

“I am curvaceous. Be slow”

“Darling I like you, but not so fast”

“Feel the curves but do not test them”

Perhaps a bit more work behind the shovel and a bit less behind the creativity department’s computer wouldn’t go astray.

But the one that sums it all up is this: “Incomparable Border Roads”

That they certainly are.