Rajouri: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified round-the-clock operations to clear landslides and boulders from National Highway 144 (NH-144) in the Rajouri-Poonch sector after heavy rainfall and flash floods disrupted road connectivity in the region.
Several stretches of the highway were hit by landslides and falling boulders following the recent adverse weather, affecting traffic movement and creating challenges for commuters.
BRO teams have been working on a war footing, deploying heavy machinery to remove accumulated debris and boulders and restore the affected stretches of the highway.
A major boulder-triggered landslide was reported at Nadpur and Thalka on July 19 during the flash floods. Since then, BRO personnel have been carrying out continuous clearance and restoration work at the affected locations.
The ongoing operations are aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement between Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch and maintaining vital connectivity along NH-144.
Residents have appreciated the efforts of BRO personnel and the district administration in restoring the highway.
Khadim Hussain, a resident of Anaipur in Thalka, thanked the district administration and BRO for their efforts, saying the road restoration work had provided relief to local residents.
“I am very thankful to my district DC, who has helped the BRO in the construction of the Jammu-Punjab National Highway. BRO is doing a very good job. They listen to people’s problems,” Hussain said.
He said heavy machinery could be seen operating at the affected locations and praised BRO teams for resuming clearance operations whenever weather conditions allowed.
“When the rain stops, you can see them working. They are doing a very good job,” he said.
Another local resident, Rajesh Kumar, said BRO personnel had been working day and night to clear the landslides and restore traffic movement.
“You can see the big machines. BRO is working day and night. The drivers are also working day and night,” he said.
Kumar said several landslides had occurred in the area following the heavy rainfall and flash floods, with some houses also suffering damage.
He expressed hope that the remaining clearance work would be completed within the next few days.
“Many landslides have happened. Houses have been damaged. In two to four days, the landslides will be over. I am thankful to BRO. They are working day and night,” Kumar said.
BRO officials continue to deploy heavy equipment at vulnerable stretches to remove debris and boulders and keep the highway operational.
The restoration of NH-144 is particularly significant as the highway serves as a crucial link connecting Jammu with Rajouri and Poonch. Continued clearance and restoration efforts are expected to help normalise traffic movement and provide relief to residents and commuters affected by the weather-induced disruptions.
