Border Roads Organisation (BRO) carried out a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation under Project Sampark at Chatergala Pass in the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis of Jammu and Kashmir. The route was blocked by heavy snowfall, leaving civilians and troops stranded in severe winter conditions. The operation restored connectivity, enabled evacuation, and ensured the safe movement of personnel and essential stores.
Operation Under Project Sampark
BRO launched the snow-clearance mission through the 118 Road Construction Company of 35 Border Roads Task Force. Work began on 24 January 2026 and continued for nearly 40 hours. The team cleared around 38 km of road buried under 5 to 6 feet of snow. The pass lies at an altitude of about 10,500 ft, making the task physically demanding and technically difficult.
Evacuation and Safety Outcome
The road was opened by the evening of 25 January 2026. This allowed the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles, along with weapons and stores. The rescue mission was completed by 02:30 hrs on 26 January 2026. No casualties were reported, reflecting effective planning and execution in extreme weather.
Coordination With Indian Army
The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Indian Army. This ensured swift relief and restoration of critical communication links in the region. Such coordination is important in remote border areas where road closure can affect both civilian movement and military readiness.
BRO’s Role in Border Infrastructure
BRO remains central to maintaining strategic roads in difficult terrain across India. Its work supports operational preparedness, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The Chatergala operation marks the importance of resilient border infrastructure and the organisation’s motto, Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026