The Border Roads Organisation successfully executed a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation at Chatergala Pass, located at an altitude of about 10,500 feet on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis in the Jammu region of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The critical mountain route had been disrupted following heavy snowfall on January 23, 2026.
The operation was undertaken under Project Sampark by the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force. Snow clearance commenced in the morning of January 24, 2026 and continued uninterrupted for nearly 40 hours. During the operation, approximately 38 kilometres of road buried under five to six feet of snow were cleared under extremely challenging weather and terrain conditions.
By the evening of January 25, 2026, the route was successfully reopened, enabling the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles along with their weapons and essential stores. The rescue mission was completed by 02:30 hours on January 26, 2026, with zero casualties, highlighting the high level of preparedness, professionalism and endurance demonstrated by BRO personnel.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Indian Army, ensuring swift relief, safe evacuation and timely restoration of this vital communication and movement corridor in the region. The successful reopening of the pass restored connectivity and reinforced operational readiness in an area prone to extreme winter conditions.
The Border Roads Organisation reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure resilience, operational efficiency and humanitarian assistance in some of the country’s most inhospitable terrains. The successful mission at Chatergala Pass stands as a testament to the organisation’s enduring motto, Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam, and its vital role in maintaining strategic and civilian connectivity across high-altitude regions.
