Mumbai, July 2 -- The Border Roads Organisation has restored road connectivity between Gulabgarh and Machail in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district by operationalising a 140-foot bailey bridge at Chishoti. The structure was virtually inaugurated by White Knight Corps Commander Lt Gen PK Mishra in the presence of Sunil Kumar Sharma. It replaces the earlier bridge washed away on 14 August 2025 when a cloudburst severed the only road to the area, killing at least 65 people while over 30 remain missing.
Constructed in 12 days, the project was executed by the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force under Project Sampark with support from army engineers. Officials said the work involved site preparation, building abutments, transporting bridging stores, erecting the bailey spans and developing approach roads amid difficult terrain and adverse weather. The rapid effort aimed to restore vital access for residents and pilgrims.
Lt Gen Mishra commended the dedication and professionalism of Project Sampark and the army engineers, saying the restoration demonstrated BRO's operational readiness. After the August 2025 disaster the defence minister announced on 24 August 2025 that the BRO would take over the road, and the proposal received approval from the ministry of defence in March 2026. Formal transfer orders are pending, and Project Sampark undertook the bridge work on the basis of an immediate requirement from the civil administration.
The Gulabgarh-Machail road is a vital segment of the Kishtwar-Gulabgarh-Kundal-Machail axis and could see enhanced connectivity if the proposed Umasi La Pass across the Zanskar Range is built to link the region with Nimmu in the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh. Beyond strategic value, the route serves as the principal access to the Machail Mata Temple, drawing more than 0.3 million (mn) devotees annually. The bridge opening secures reliable access ahead of the Machail Mata Yatra scheduled to begin in July.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.