SRINAGAR: The strategic Bhaderwah–Pathankot road was restored for vehicular traffic on Sunday evening after remaining blocked for several hours due to a snow avalanche at Baingoth in Doda district, even as the 118 Roads Construction Company (RCC) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also reopened the Bhaderwah–Bani–Basohli National Highway following heavy snowfall at Chattergala Pass.
Officials said an avalanche struck the Baingoth stretch around 3 PM after continuous snowfall in the upper reaches, causing massive slabs of snow to fall onto the roadway and bringing traffic to a complete halt. Around 50 civilian vehicles, including two traveller buses, were stranded on the route, with nearly 200 civilians — tourists and locals — caught in the disruption.
Acting swiftly despite inclement weather, the 118 RCC of BRO, led by Officer Commanding Lt Col Jivitesh Razora, launched a coordinated rescue operation along with local police and health authorities. “After hectic efforts, all stranded passengers were safely evacuated and shifted to safer locations. No injuries or casualties were reported,” officials said.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, said the joint efforts of the district administration, BRO, police and medical teams ensured the smooth rescue and clearance operation. Snow clearance machines were pressed into service immediately, and the road connecting Bhaderwah with Pathankot via Bani and Basohli in Kathua district was fully reopened around 8 PM.
Authorities have advised commuters to check weather updates and adhere to official advisories before travelling to snowbound areas.
In a parallel development, the 118 RCC of BRO restored traffic on the Bhaderwah–Bani–Basohli National Highway, which had been closed due to heavy snowfall at Chattergala Pass, snapping connectivity between Bani in Kathua district and Bhaderwah in Doda.
An official spokesperson said the dedicated team comprising OC 118 RCC Lt Col Jivitesh Razora, OIC TK Bag and JE RK Mandal, along with operators and CPLs, cleared the road axis within the stipulated timeframe under the supervision of Commander 35 BRTF Udhampur, SK Singh.
“Despite heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, the team ensured that connectivity between Bani and Bhaderwah was restored for the convenience of the general public,” the official said, adding that apart from snow clearance, work on bridges and other permanent infrastructure is also progressing at a pace.
The 84-km stretch from Bani to Bhaderwah is now open from both sides for vans, cars and minibuses, though regular bus services are yet to commence on the route.
Officer Commanding Lt Col Razora said the swift clearance operation underscored BRO’s commitment to maintaining unimpeded traffic flow and ensuring safety in challenging mountainous terrain within the shortest possible time.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Ramnik Singh Manhas criticised the Public Works Department for the continued closure of the Bhaderwah–Chamba National Highway, stating that traffic has not yet been restored on that stretch. He urged the administration to hand over the road to BRO for better maintenance and smoother traffic movement, claiming that last year over three lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah, crediting improved connectivity efforts.
