BRO Fights 6-Foot Snow for 40 Hours to Rescue 60 People in Jammu and Kashmir

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully completed a high-risk rescue and road restoration mission at Chatergala Pass in Jammu and Kashmir after intense snowfall left the region cut off and dozens stranded in extreme winter conditions.

Located at an altitude of approximately 10,500 feet, Chatergala Pass on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis was buried under nearly five to six feet of snow following heavy snowfall on January 23. The severe weather brought all vehicular movement to a halt, isolating both military personnel and civilians in the area and disrupting a crucial mountain route.

Responding swiftly, BRO teams launched an emergency snow-clearance operation early on January 24 at 6.30 am. The mission was undertaken by the 118 Road Construction Company under the 35 Border Roads Task Force, operating as part of Project Sampark. Working in harsh sub-zero temperatures, limited visibility and continuous snowfall, the teams carried out round-the-clock operations for nearly 40 hours without interruption.

Over the course of the operation, BRO personnel cleared approximately 38 kilometres of snow-covered road, battling avalanches, icy surfaces and steep gradients. Heavy machinery was deployed alongside manual labour to remove compacted snow and reopen the strategic mountain pass. Despite the challenging terrain and extreme weather, the route was made passable by the evening of January 25.

The reopening of the road enabled the safe evacuation of 40 troops from the 4 Rashtriya Rifles, along with their weapons, equipment and essential supplies. In addition, 20 civilians who had been stranded due to the prolonged closure were also rescued and moved to safety.

The rescue operation was carried out in close coordination with the Indian Army, ensuring smooth movement once the road was cleared. The entire mission was completed by 2.30 am on January 26, with no casualties reported, underscoring the effectiveness of the planning and execution despite extreme winter conditions.

Officials said the operation once again demonstrated BRO’s critical role in maintaining connectivity in high-altitude and remote regions, particularly during emergencies triggered by natural disasters. Chatergala Pass serves as an important lifeline for both civilian movement and military logistics, especially during the winter months when weather conditions frequently disrupt access.

The successful mission also highlighted the organisation’s humanitarian role beyond infrastructure development. In addition to supporting military operations, BRO teams routinely assist stranded civilians, restore essential connectivity and provide rapid response during natural calamities in some of the most difficult terrains in the country.

BRO reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring year-round connectivity in strategically important and remote areas, stating that such operations reflect its enduring motto, Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam — everything is achievable through hard work.

As winter continues to tighten its grip across Jammu and Kashmir, authorities remain on alert, with BRO units prepared for further snow-clearance and rescue operations to keep vital routes open and ensure the safety of both civilians and security forces.