In a swift operation amid extreme winter conditions, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored traffic connectivity on the strategic Ghalar–Sansari axis within 14 hours after the Bailey Bridge collapsed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district due to an overloaded dumper.
The swift response prevented the isolation of several remote areas in the Chenab Valley and ensured continued movement along a key corridor linking Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh.
The Ghalar–Sansari road serves as the only all-weather route for multiple snowbound habitations during winter, carrying essential civilian supplies as well as military and administrative traffic. Any prolonged disruption along the axis could have had serious logistical and humanitarian consequences.
Following the incident, troops and engineers of the 118 Road Construction Company under Project SAMPARK of the 35 Border Roads Task Force were mobilised despite freezing temperatures and strong winds. Led by Lt Col Jivitesh Razora, Officer Commanding, 118 RCC, teams conducted a rapid site assessment and deployed heavy engineering equipment on priority.
BRO personnel worked through the night to construct a temporary diversion to restore vehicular movement. Preparatory work for an additional, safer diversion was initiated simultaneously to ensure sustained traffic flow. The intervention ensured continued connectivity for areas such as Gulabgarh, Sansari and nearby villages, allowing essential supplies to reach remote populations.
Local residents and stranded commuters described the response as critical under the prevailing harsh weather conditions. BRO teams also provided refreshments and on-site assistance as part of their humanitarian support during the restoration effort.
BRO authorities said strict action would be taken against violations of prescribed load and traffic norms to prevent similar incidents. Permanent restoration work has begun alongside regulated use of the temporary diversion.
The operation was carried out under the direct supervision of S. K. Singh, Commander, 35 BRTF (Udhampur), underscoring the BRO’s role in maintaining strategic and civilian connectivity in some of the country’s most challenging terrain, in keeping with its motto, Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam.
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Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Jan 21, 2026
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