BRO restores road to Pangi valley for light vehicles

Chamba, February 27

After a week’s relentless efforts, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) yesterday restored the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road in Chamba district to light vehicular traffic and reconnected the Pangi valley with the rest of the state. This brought relief to the residents of the region, who were stranded without the supply of essential items and medical assistance.

The Pangi valley, located in the northernmost corner of the state, faces severe challenges when heavy snowfall and landslides block the lone road.

The BRO swiftly mobilised its resources and deployed teams equipped with special machinery to clear snow from the road.

BRO official Samunder Singh said that the road was opened from the Kishtwar side of Jammu and Kashmir and from the Udaipur side in Lahaul-Spiti side for light vehicles.

The restoration of road connectivity not only ensured the supply of essential commodities but also facilitated the movement of people, including patients requiring urgent medical attention.

Meanwhile, local residents and the civil administration have welcomed the restoration of road connectivity. The administration is now focusing on ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and the delivery of essential services in remote parts of the valley. Rajesh Kumar, a resident of the Pangi valley, said, “We were facing difficulties in getting essential supplies, and the lack of road connectivity was causing immense hardships. The BRO have brought much-needed relief to us by restoring road connectivity.”

Resident Commissioner, Pangi, Ritika Jindal advised people to exercise caution while travelling on the restored road. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department is working to restore lateral roads in the valley.

As per the latest reports, more than 12 lateral roads in Pangi were still blocked, cutting off remote villages from the rest of the sub-divisional headquarters and the district.