Convener News Desk
New Delhi/Rajouri, Jan 27: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has once again demonstrated its operational resilience and humanitarian commitment by successfully executing two major snow-clearance and rescue operations across high-altitude and strategically critical regions of Jammu and Kashmir, restoring vital connectivity disrupted by heavy snowfall.
Under Project Sampark, BRO carried out a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation at Chatergala Pass, located at an altitude of 10,500 feet on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis in the Jammu region. The vital route was blocked following heavy snowfall on January 23, 2026, cutting off movement and communication.
The 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) launched an intensive snow-clearance drive on the morning of January 24, working continuously for nearly 40 hours in extreme weather conditions. BRO personnel cleared approximately 38 kilometres of road, buried under five to six feet of snow. The route was reopened by the evening of January 25, enabling the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles, along with weapons and essential stores. The rescue mission concluded at 2:30 AM on January 26, with zero casualties.
Simultaneously, BRO mounted another swift operation in the Rajouri–Kandi–Budhal belt of Rajouri district, where an unprecedented spell of snowfall—measuring up to three feet—severely disrupted movement in the Pir Panjal region, cutting off sub-divisions from Rajouri town. The disruption affected both military and civilian movement, including medical emergency cases.
Despite hostile terrain and harsh weather, 110 RCC of 31 BRTF, also under Project Sampark, conducted round-the-clock day-and-night operations, deploying specialised snow-clearance equipment and manpower. A single-lane road was initially opened to allow controlled movement, restoring traffic within 14 hours. Continued clearance and widening operations ensured that a stretch of nearly 35 kilometres was fully restored within 24 hours, facilitating safer and smoother vehicular movement.
Both operations were executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, reflecting strong civil–military synergy and ensuring uninterrupted operational mobility of Defence formations while preventing the isolation of local populations.
The successful missions underscore BRO’s professionalism, endurance, and unwavering commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure and providing timely humanitarian assistance in some of the country’s most challenging terrains, reaffirming its motto — “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is achievable through hard work).
Comments are closed.