Kishtwar: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully carried out a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation under Project Sampark at Chatergala Pass, situated at an altitude of 10,500 feet on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis in the Jammu region of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The route had been disrupted due to heavy snowfall. The 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) commenced snow-clearance operations on the morning of January 24, 2026, and continued for nearly 40 hours, clearing approximately 38 km of road buried under 5 to 6 feet of snow.
The route was opened by the evening of January 25, 2026, enabling the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), along with their weapons and stores.
The rescue mission was completed at 02:30 am on January 26, 2026, with zero casualties, underscoring the professionalism and dedication of BRO personnel operating in challenging high-altitude terrain and extreme weather conditions. The operation was executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, ensuring swift relief and the restoration of critical communication links in the region.
The Border Roads Organisation continues to remain steadfast in its commitment to infrastructure resilience, operational readiness, and humanitarian assistance in some of the most inhospitable terrains of the country.DD
Imran Shah is journalist associated with Diplomat Digital. He is Bureau Chief for Chenab Valley.
