Ruins to roads: BRO rebuilds Pangi valley bridge in 3 days

In a major breakthrough, connectivity on the vital Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) road, running through the remote Pangi valley, has been fully restored after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) rebuilt the Dharwas bridge — the last damaged stretch of this crucial highway.

Pangi Subdivisional Magistrate Raman Gharsangi confirmed that the bridge was reconstructed by 7 pm on Wednesday, making the road fit for all kinds of vehicular traffic. The bridge had been severely damaged during floods between August 23 and 26, cutting off several villages.

While residents feared repairs could take a week, the BRO team completed the work in just three days. Repair efforts began on Monday under the supervision of Capt Sunil and civil engineer Nirmal Upreti, with Major Paras monitoring on Tuesday. The operation was led by Col Gaurav Bangari, Commanding Officer of the 38 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) and supported by officers of the 94 Road Construction Company, Udaipur and Killar.

Residents expressed gratitude to the BRO and district administration for their swift action. Earlier, the BRO had restored other flood-damaged stretches at Kiryuni Nala and Mahalu Nala.

The 140-km SKTT road is a strategic lifeline, connecting Pangi with J&K’s Padder and Kishtwar regions and Lahaul-Spiti. During winter, when snowfall shuts the Atal Tunnel-Rohtang route, it remains the only access to the valley.

Nestled between the Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan ranges, Pangi valley is among Himachal’s most remote regions — harsh yet breathtaking, home to the resilient Pangwal and Bhot communities, known for their rich cultural traditions and pristine landscapes.