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Kishtwar : The Border Roads Organisation has restored the vital road link between Gulabgarh and Machail with the operationalisation of a 140-foot Triple Double Reinforced Bailey Bridge at Chishoti, ending a prolonged disruption caused by last year’s cloudburst.
The bridge was virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Lt Gen PK Mishra, GOC, White Knight Corps, in the presence of Sunil Kumar Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly and MLA, Padder–Nagseni.
The bridge was constructed in just 12 days by 118 Road Construction Company of 35 BRTF under Project Sampark, with technical support from Army Engineers. The work involved site preparation, abutment construction, transport of bridging stores, launching the Bailey Bridge, and developing approach roads in tough terrain and adverse weather.
Lt Gen Mishra lauded the dedication and professionalism of BRO and Army Engineers, calling the restoration a testament to BRO’s motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” — Everything is Achievable Through Hard Work.
The existing bridge at Chishoti was washed away in the devastating cloudburst of August 14, 2025, severing the only road link to remote Machail. Following the disaster, Raksha Mantri during his August 24, 2025 visit to J&K had announced that BRO would take over the Gulabgarh-Machail road. The proposal got MoD operational approval in March 2026, with formal transfer orders expected shortly.
The Gulabgarh-Machail road is a key segment of the Kishtwar-Gulabgarh-Kundal-Machail axis, strategically important and offering future connectivity through the proposed Umasi La Pass to Nimmu in Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley.
The road is also the primary access route to the revered Machail Mata Temple, which draws over three lakh pilgrims annually. The timely opening ensures reliable connectivity ahead of the annual Machail Mata Yatra set to begin in July.
Officials said the bridge restores socio-economic lifelines for residents of the remote Machail region and significantly boosts mobility in the border district.(GNS)
