Vital inter-district road shut for nearly a month restored by BRO

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully rebuilt a crucial strategic road connecting Budhal in Rajouri district with Mahore in Reasi district after a section was washed away by heavy rains in late August.

The Budhal–Mahore–Gul (BMG) road is vital for military movement and logistics across the Pir Panjal ranges. Besides its defense significance, the road serves as the primary route for local residents, connecting remote villages to district headquarters and enabling the transport of goods, services, and emergency aid. This dual importance underscores the BMG road’s critical role in the region’s infrastructure.

On August 28, torrential rains and flash floods severely damaged the Badora diversion along this route, completely washing it out. This disruption impacted connectivity for approximately 15 villages and hindered movement between the districts of Reasi, Rajouri, and Ramban. The loss of this vital transport link created significant challenges for both civilian life and defense logistics in this rugged terrain.

A Defence spokesperson explained that the situation was further complicated by multiple landslides along the BMG road. These landslides blocked access, preventing heavy machinery and resources from reaching the damaged site. “Given the difficult terrain and adverse weather, initial assessments and repair efforts were delayed,” he said.

Despite these obstacles, a team of 110 Road Construction Company (RCC) personnel from the 31 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Sampark took on the restoration challenge. Clearing landslides to gain access began immediately but it was only by September 8 that essential resources reached the Badora site. By then, the water flow from the Badora Nallah—a nearby river—had surged, making immediate repair work impossible.

To overcome this, the team employed innovative engineering techniques. The first crucial step was diverting the river flow—a process known as river training. They constructed a temporary water channel using River Bed Material (RBM) to redirect the river’s flow away from the damaged site, reducing pressure on the infrastructure and allowing safe access.

With water flow controlled, restoration began on September 12. Working tirelessly day and night, the team completed the repair of the Badora diversion by September 20, reestablishing the essential link.

In addition to the Badora diversion, another major problem arose along a 300-meter stretch at Sarh and Jamslan, where road formation had sunk by 12 meters vertically due to heavy rains. This further disrupted connectivity in the area. However, the 110 RCC successfully restored these sections as well, reaffirming their resilience and engineering capability.

Strategic road in Ladakh thrown open to public

Leh: The 91-kilometre strategic road connecting Hanle to the border village of Chumar in Ladakh has been thrown open to public, Army said on Tuesday.

The route traverses extreme high altitudes ranging from 14,500 feet to 17,200 feet, including the high Salsa La Pass. “A 91 km road connecting Hanle to the border village of Chumar constructed by Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation has been opened for public in Ladakh,” the Army said on its official X handle.

“The road, while providing strategic connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, will also facilitate local connectivity and tourism in the region by connecting attractions including Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake and onward to Tso Moriri,” the Army said.

It said the road will enhance operational readiness, promote tourism and boost socio-economic growth in Ladakh’s remote areas. — PTI