In a rapid response amid extreme winter conditions, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored traffic on the strategic Ghalar–Sansari road in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, within 14 hours after a Bailey Bridge collapsed due to an overloaded dumper. The swift intervention prevented the isolation of remote areas in the Chenab Valley and maintained vital connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
The Ghalar–Sansari road serves as the only all-weather route for several snowbound villages during winter, carrying essential civilian supplies as well as military and administrative traffic. Any prolonged disruption could have caused serious logistical and humanitarian challenges.
Troops and engineers of the 118 Road Construction Company under Project SAMPARK of the 35 Border Roads Task Force were mobilised immediately, despite freezing temperatures and strong winds. Led by Lt Col Jivitesh Razora, the team conducted rapid site assessments and deployed heavy engineering equipment to construct a temporary diversion, restoring vehicular movement within hours. Preparations for a permanent, safer diversion were also initiated to ensure sustained traffic flow.
The operation ensured connectivity for Gulabgarh, Sansari, and surrounding villages, allowing essential supplies to reach remote populations. Local residents and stranded commuters lauded the BRO’s timely action, which included on-site assistance and provision of refreshments.
BRO authorities also stressed that strict enforcement of load and traffic norms would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future, while permanent restoration work on the collapsed bridge is underway. The operation was carried out under the supervision of S.K. Singh, Commander of the 35 BRTF (Udhampur), highlighting BRO’s critical role in maintaining strategic and civilian connectivity in challenging terrain, in line with its motto:Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam.
