BRO improves road connectivity in remote border regions of Rajouri

Residents of the border areas of Qila Dharhal tehsil in Rajouri district are set to benefit from major infrastructure development being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Sampark.

According to officials, the ongoing road and bridge construction projects are significantly improving connectivity and living conditions in these remote border regions, which often remained cut off during the monsoon and winter months.

A major highlight of the project is the Jambhir Steel Bridge—a 60-metre steel superstructure constructed along the Balavenue– Lam–Dharal axis. The bridge provides all-weather connectivity and links several villages directly to the Akhnoor–Poonch National Highway, ending years of seasonal isolation caused by heavy rainfall and snowfall.

Another key project, the Bhawani Sethu Bridge, has recently been completed and inaugurated. The 60-metre pre-stressed concrete bridge over the Bhawani Nala has reduced travel distance from nearly 30 km to just 11 km, providing a crucial link between Bhawani, Nowshera and Qila Dharhal.

Officials said work on additional connectivity routes is progressing at a fast pace to ensure alternative access in case of road blockages, thereby keeping border populations connected at all times.

The projects are already having a direct impact on local communities. Students from remote villages such as Lam, Dharal and Jhangar can now reach schools, colleges and universities safely and on time. Improved road access has also strengthened healthcare delivery, enabling ambulances to reach district hospitals without delays during medical emergencies.

The BRO projects have emerged as an important source of local employment, with local labourers and vendors being engaged during construction, helping reduce migration for daily wage work.

From a strategic perspective, the new routes provide “dead ground” protection, allowing both civilian and military vehicles to move safely without being easily observed from across the Line of Control (LoC).

Speaking to ANI, local resident Vikas said the bridge had been a long-standing requirement. “Most of the work has been completed, including the slab. During the rainy season, people faced many hardships and accidents due to the lack of a safe crossing. The bridge, which is about 62 metres long, has been thoroughly inspected by the BRO. They have done an excellent job,” he said.