Cut off no more: BRO reopens critical road in Pangi valley

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored the damaged stretch of the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) road at Siddh Mandir, reopening the vital route for light motor vehicles.

The SKTT highway, regarded as the lifeline of the remote Pangi valley, connects it with Udaipur in Lahaul-Spiti district. It had suffered extensive damage during the flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in August. Alongside, valley roads and the communication network were also badly hit, though connectivity was restored by August 30.

Between August 23 and 26, the SKTT road was battered at multiple points, including Siddh Mandir, Dharwas Bridge, Mahalu Nullah and Parghwal Nullah in Pangi region. On the Udaipur side, severe damage was reported near Dared Nullah, Dhandhal Nullah and Jungle Camp Nullah, where landslides and waterlogging rendered stretches unsafe. The Jungle Camp section, however, had already been reopened on August 30.

Meanwhile, BRO teams continue restoration efforts at the Mahalu Nullah stretch and Dharwas Bridge, where significant subsidence has disrupted connectivity.

Pangi’s Officiating Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsangi lauded the BRO for its swift and commendable work, noting that the reopening has provided major relief to residents and stranded commuters. He also directed BRO officials to expedite repairs at the remaining damaged stretches.

Nestled in the high-altitude region of Chamba district, Pangi remains one of Himachal’s most inaccessible valleys, cut off for nearly six months each winter. Its connectivity relies heavily on the SKTT road, while alternative routes exist via Kishtwar-Bhaderwah through Padri Pass (Jammu & Kashmir) and Chamba-Killar via Sach Pass, the latter being the shortest but also the most treacherous. All routes, however, remain highly weather-dependent.