Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli road opens for traffic

A BRO machine clearing snow at Chattergalla Pass on Bhaderwah-Bani road on Thursday. -Excelsior/Tilak Raj
A BRO machine clearing snow at Chattergalla Pass on Bhaderwah-Bani road on Thursday. -Excelsior/Tilak Raj

‘Hand over Bhaderwah-Chamba road to BRO’

Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Apr 25: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) today opened the Bhaderwah- Bani- Basohli highway which had been closed due to heavy snowfall at Chattergalla Pass, at the foothills of glacier and mountain Kailash.
An official said that during recent heavy snowfall in the area, comprising of Chattergala Pass, the connectivity between Bani and Bhaderwah had been snapped. The dedicated team of BRO/ GREF consisting of OC of 118 RCC, Gourav Tiwari, OIC Kuli, alongwith operators and CPLs opened the road axis within the stipulated time before 2 months under the guidance and supervision of Commander 35 BRTF Udhampur, SK Verma.
“Despite all the hurdles, the team braving heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, is taking adequate measures for maintaining the connectivity between Bani and Basohli in Kathua and Bhaderwah in Doda district for the convenience of general public,” official said.
The official further added that in addition to the snow clearance, the regular work on bridges and permanent works, are also under speedy progress.
“The road from Bani to Bhaderwah now onwards, will remain open for the ease of general public from both the sides. Though no bus service plies till date on this route but the Sumos, Tempo Travelers and private vehicles ply on this 84 kms road safely,” the official informed.
Officer Commanding 118 RCC Gourav Tiwari told the ‘Excelsior’ that the swift clearance was undertaken to guarantee the unimpeded flow of traffic, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to ensuring connectivity and safety in challenging terrains in shortest possible time limit”.
“The whole exercise was carried out under the guidance and supervision of Commander 35 BRTF Udhampur SK Verma,” he added.
Meanwhile, criticizing R&B Department, Ex- Sarpanch Shabir Ahmed Khan said that on the other hand, Bhaderwah-Padri-Chamba highway which is being manned by PWD is still blocked and traffic has not been restored on it as yet. Moreover, condition of the road is worst and it requires immediate repair.
“We request the LG Administration to hand over the Bhaderwah- Chamba road to the GREF/BRO so that there can be smooth movement of the traffic,” he prayed.
Khan further said that last year more than 3 lakh tourists came to Bhaderwah, the credit for which goes to GREF/BRO. “This proactive measure by BRO exemplifies its tireless efforts in maintaining crucial road infrastructure, especially during adverse weather conditions, he added.
Meanwhile, general public of Bhaderwah has expressed its gratitude to the BRO authorities for their relentless efforts to make this possible two months before its usual opening. They also demanded handing over of Bhaderwah-Chamba and Bhaderwah-Jayee-Gandoh road to BRO.