Jammu, January 26, 2026: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has once again demonstrated its unmatched capability in extreme terrain by successfully executing a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation at the snowbound Chatergala Pass in Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding swiftly to the emergency, the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) was mobilised to clear the route and restore movement under extremely challenging weather conditions.
Relentless Snow Clearance in Extreme Conditions
The snow clearance operation commenced in the early hours of January 24 and continued uninterrupted for nearly 40 hours. BRO personnel battled sub-zero temperatures, low visibility, and snow accumulation ranging between five to six feet across long stretches of the road.
Approximately 38 kilometres of snow-covered roadway were painstakingly cleared using specialised equipment and manual effort. Despite the risks posed by avalanches and harsh terrain, the team maintained operational discipline and safety throughout the mission.
Safe Evacuation of Civilians and Troops
The route was successfully reopened by the evening of January 25, enabling the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians who had been cut off due to the sudden weather deterioration. In addition, 40 troops of the Indian Army’s 4 Rashtriya Rifles were safely moved along with their weapons and essential stores.
The rescue mission was completed at 02:30 hours on January 26, marking a critical milestone in restoring normalcy along the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis.
Zero Casualties, High Professionalism
Importantly, the entire operation was completed with zero casualties, reflecting the high level of training, coordination, and professionalism of BRO personnel. The mission was executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, ensuring swift response and seamless communication at every stage.
Officials noted that the timely restoration of the road was vital not only for immediate rescue but also for maintaining operational readiness and connectivity in the strategically sensitive region.
BRO’s Commitment to Nation Building
The successful operation at Chatergala Pass once again underscores the Border Roads Organisation’s crucial role in maintaining lifelines across some of the most inhospitable terrains in the country. From disaster response to strategic infrastructure development, BRO continues to be a backbone of India’s border connectivity.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure resilience, humanitarian assistance, and national security, staying true to its motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” everything is achievable through hard work.
