The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) once again demonstrated its operational excellence by successfully conducting a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation at Chatergala Pass in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, carried out amid extreme weather and heavy snowfall, ensured the safe evacuation of stranded civilians and troops while restoring a critical communication route.
Why in News?
The BRO successfully restored road connectivity and conducted a rescue operation at Chatergala Pass (10,500 ft) after heavy snowfall disrupted movement on January 23, 2026, evacuating civilians and army personnel without any casualties.
Background of the Disruption
- Chatergala Pass, located on the Bhaderwah-Chatergala axis in the Jammu region, experienced heavy snowfall of 5–6 feet on January 23, 2026.
- This sudden weather event blocked nearly 38 km of road, cutting off movement and stranding both civilians and security forces.
- Given the strategic and humanitarian importance of the route, immediate restoration was crucial to prevent isolation and ensure safety in the harsh winter conditions.
Execution of the Rescue and Restoration Operation
- The snow-clearance operation was undertaken by the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) under the 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) as part of Project Sampark.
- The team began work on the morning of January 24, 2026, operating continuously for nearly 40 hours in sub-zero temperatures.
- Despite the difficult terrain and extreme weather, the route was successfully reopened by the evening of January 25, 2026, restoring vital connectivity.
Evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance
- Following the reopening of the road, BRO enabled the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of the Rashtriya Rifles, along with their weapons and essential stores.
- The rescue mission was completed by 02:30 hrs on January 26, 2026, with zero casualties, highlighting the professionalism, preparedness, and dedication of BRO personnel working under life-threatening conditions.
Coordination with the Indian Army
- The operation was executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, ensuring seamless communication, security, and swift relief.
- This joint effort underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation in disaster response, particularly in high-altitude and strategically sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
About Border Roads Organization
- The Border Roads Organization is a key infrastructure-building arm of India, responsible for constructing and maintaining roads in border and strategically important areas.
- Operating in some of the world’s most inhospitable terrains, BRO plays a vital role in national security, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance, guided by its motto “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is achievable through hard work).
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Organization | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) |
| Location | Chatergala Pass, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Altitude | 10,500 feet |
| Project | Project Sampark |
| Road Cleared | Nearly 38 km |
| People Evacuated | 20 civilians & 40 troops |
Question
Q. Chatergala Pass, recently in news for a BRO rescue operation, is located in which Union Territory?
A. Ladakh
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Jammu and Kashmir
D. Uttarakhand
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