How Did BRO Restore Road Connectivity in Rain-Affected Mountainous Region of J&K’s Kathua?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Project Sampark plays a critical role in restoring road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Persistent rainfall caused significant damage to highways and roads.
- The BRO showcased exceptional bravery and expertise in the restoration process.
- Restoring connectivity is essential for the supply of necessities to the Valley.
- Challenges such as landslides and mudslides complicate road maintenance efforts.
Jammu, Sep 7 (NationPress) 'Project Sampark' of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully reinstated the damaged segment of the mountainous roadway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, as reported by the defence PRO on Sunday.
The Defence PRO in Jammu shared on X, “A section of the road from #Basohli to Bani was severely affected due to relentless rainfall, creating a significant gap at Tikri Morh, located 47 km from Basohli.”
The BRO undertook the construction of a completely new route that was necessary to navigate around the compromised section of the road. This operation was executed under challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, with both personnel and machinery taking calculated risks.
“The link has been successfully restored, reestablishing connectivity to Bhaderwah from Basohli. Congratulations to Mr. Sankar Tayal, OC 69 RCC of BRO, and his team for achieving this challenging task,” the X post highlighted.
Roads and highways across the union territory faced extensive damage due to persistent rainfall and subsequent flooding.
In several areas, landslides and mudslides obliterated the road, while cloudbursts disrupted surface connectivity over the past fortnight.
Not only was road transport impacted, but rail services also faced significant disruptions during this time.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed for numerous days as portions of this crucial route were washed away. The segment between Udhampur and Banihal town experienced damage in various locations.
The BRO has been deploying personnel and equipment to fully restore this highway, which serves as a lifeline for the landlocked Valley.
All essential supplies, including food grains, LPG, petroleum products, vegetables, poultry, and mutton, are transported into the Valley via this highway.
Any short or long-term closures of the Jammu-Srinagar highway incite panic buying in the Valley, which is often exploited by opportunists and black marketeers to inflate prices.
Additionally, the Mughal Road also faced closures for two days during the recent rainfall, connecting the Poonch district of the Jammu division with the Shopian district of the Valley.