Kishtwar, June 25: In a major engineering achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored road connectivity between Gulabgarh and the remote Machail region by constructing and operationalising a 140-foot Triple Double Reinforced Bailey Bridge at Chishoti. The bridge replaces the previous structure that was washed away in the devastating cloudburst of August 14, 2025, reconnecting the region ahead of the annual Machail Mata Yatra.
Bridge Built in Record 12 Days
The bridge was completed in just 12 days by 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Sampark. The project involved site preparation, construction of abutments, transportation of bridge components, launching of the Bailey Bridge and development of approach roads under extremely challenging terrain and weather conditions. Army Engineers also provided critical technical support during the operation.
Dedicated to the Nation
The newly constructed bridge was virtually inaugurated by Lt Gen P.K. Mishra, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, in the presence of Sunil Kumar Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA from Padder–Nagseni.
Lt Gen Mishra praised the dedication and professionalism of BRO personnel and Army Engineers, describing the project as a reflection of BRO’s motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” – Everything is Achievable Through Hard Work.
Restoring a Critical Strategic Route
The Gulabgarh–Machail road is a strategically significant route forming part of the Kishtwar–Gulabgarh–Kundal–Machail axis, with future connectivity potential through the proposed Umasi La Pass linking Jammu & Kashmir with the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh.
Following the cloudburst in August 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had announced that the road would be brought under BRO for long-term development and maintenance. The Ministry of Defence granted operational approval for the proposal in March 2026, while the formal transfer process is expected to be completed shortly.
Boost for Pilgrimage and Local Economy
Beyond its strategic importance, the road serves as the only road link to the revered Machail Mata Temple, one of Jammu’s major pilgrimage destinations, attracting more than three lakh devotees every year.
The reopening of the bridge ensures uninterrupted connectivity before the Machail Mata Yatra, scheduled to begin in July, while also restoring the socio-economic lifeline for residents of the remote Machail region and significantly improving mobility in the sensitive border district.
Symbol of Civil-Military Coordination
BRO described the successful construction of the Bailey Bridge as a landmark example of civil-military cooperation, engineering excellence and rapid disaster response. The project highlights the organisation’s capability to deliver critical infrastructure under extreme conditions while strengthening connectivity in strategically important regions of Jammu & Kashmir.