Chashoti, Sept 9: In a remarkable feat of engineering and perseverance, the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) led by Maj Jivitesh Razora
successfully restored the critical Gulabgarh-Chashoti road, which was reopened for traffic today. The vital link was severed following catastrophic torrential rains and subsequent landslides on August 26 and 27, cutting off numerous remote villages in the Jammu Division.
Working in treacherous and unforgiving conditions, the BRO Karmyogis, as they are fondly known, launched a relentless restoration effort from the Chashoti side. For 13 arduous days, men and machinery of 118 RCC worked round-the-clock, battling unstable hillsides and mountains of debris. They cleared a formidable 14-kilometer stretch, bearing the major brunt of the restoration work.
The damage, caused by one of the heaviest downpours in recent memory, had rendered the road completely impassable, creating a crisis for local communities who depend on it for daily supplies, medical emergencies, and essential travel.
The operation was a textbook example of inter-agency coordination. While the 118 RCC tackled the more extensive damage from Chashoti, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) initiated clearance from the Gulabgarh end, opening a 7-kilometer stretch. The combined effort of the two agencies ensured that the entire 21-kilometer blocked route was made motorable in record time.
“The challenge was immense,” said an on-site BRO official. “The initial days were fraught with danger due to the risk of further landslides. But our mission is to keep the lifelines of the nation open, and the team of 118 RCC was motivated by the plight of the stranded villagers. Their dedication is unwavering.”
The reopening of the road was met with cheers and relief from local residents. “We were completely cut off for almost two weeks,” shared a resident from a nearby village. “BRO has come as our saviour. Seeing their machines work day and night gave us hope, and today, we are connected again. We are immensely grateful.”
The swift and efficient operation by the 118 RCC not only highlights the strategic importance of the Border Roads Organisation in maintaining connectivity in India’s most challenging terrains but also reaffirms their role as a force for national integration and a critical support system for civilian populations in times of natural calamity. Their motto, ‘Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam’ (Everything is Achievable through Hard Work), has once again been proven true.
