Jammu, June 25:
In a major boost to connectivity in the remote Machail region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored the Gulabgarh–Machail road by constructing a 140-foot Triple Double Reinforced Bailey Bridge at Chishoti.
The new bridge replaces the previous structure that was washed away during the devastating cloudburst on August 14, 2025, which had cut off the only road link to Machail.
The bridge was virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Lt Gen P.K. Mishra, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, in the presence of Sunil Kumar Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA, Padder-Nagseni.
BRO completed the bridge in just 12 days. The project was executed by 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Sampark, with technical support from the Army Engineers. Despite difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions, the team successfully carried out site preparation, bridge launching, construction of approach roads, and other engineering works.
Commending the efforts of the personnel, Lt Gen Mishra praised the dedication and professionalism of BRO and the Army Engineers, stating that the project reflects BRO’s motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is Achievable Through Hard Work).
Following the 2025 cloudburst, the Defence Minister had announced that the strategically important Gulabgarh–Machail road would be taken over by BRO for long-term development. While the formal transfer is expected soon, BRO undertook the bridge construction to restore immediate connectivity based on the requirement of the civil administration.
The Gulabgarh–Machail road is strategically important as it forms part of the Kishtwar–Gulabgarh–Kundal–Machail axis and also holds future connectivity potential through the proposed Umasi La Pass to Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley.
Apart from its strategic importance, the route serves as the main access to the Machail Mata Temple, one of Jammu region’s major pilgrimage destinations, visited by more than three lakh devotees every year.
With the annual Machail Mata Yatra scheduled to begin in July, the opening of the bridge will ensure smooth movement of pilgrims while also restoring a vital socio-economic lifeline for the residents of the remote Machail region.
The successful completion of the Bailey Bridge stands as another significant achievement for the Border Roads Organisation, highlighting its engineering capability and commitment to strengthening infrastructure in some of India’s most challenging terrains.
