The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored road connectivity between Gulabgarh and Machail with the operationalisation of a 140-foot Triple Double Reinforced Bailey Bridge at Chishoti, according to an official statement.
Officials said the restoration marks the end of a prolonged disruption caused by the devastating cloudburst of August 14, 2025, which washed away the existing bridge at Chishoti and severed the only road link to the remote Machail region.
The newly constructed bridge was virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Lieutenant General PK Mishra, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps.
Constructed in a remarkable 12 days, the bridge was built by the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Sampark. The operation involved extensive site preparation, construction of abutments, transportation of bridging stores, launching of the Bailey Bridge and development of approach roads under challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. The effort was further strengthened by the technical expertise and support of Army Engineers.
Commending the personnel involved, Lt Gen Mishra lauded the dedication, resilience and professionalism displayed by BRO’s Project Sampark and Army Engineers in completing the challenging task within an exceptionally short timeframe.
He said the successful restoration of connectivity exemplifies BRO’s motto, “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is achievable through hard work).
Following the cloudburst of August 2025, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on August 24, announced that the Gulabgarh-Machail road would be taken over by BRO to ensure its long-term development and maintenance. The proposal received operational approval from the Ministry of Defence in March 2026, while formal transfer orders are expected shortly.
Pending the transfer, Project Sampark undertook construction of the Bailey Bridge based on the requirement projected by the civil administration to restore immediate connectivity to Machail.
The Gulabgarh-Machail road forms a vital segment of the Kishtwar-Gulabgarh-Kundal-Machail axis, a strategically important route that also offers future connectivity potential through the proposed Umasi La Pass across the Zanskar Range to Nimmu in Ladakh.
Apart from its strategic significance, the road serves as the primary access route to the revered Machail Mata Temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations in the Jammu region. Every year, more than three lakh devotees undertake the pilgrimage, making the route crucial for both local residents and visiting pilgrims.
