KISHTWAR, Oct 7: In a major feat of engineering in the challenging Himalayan terrain, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully completed crucial realignment and improvement works on the strategic Galhar Sansari Road significantly bolstering connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Executed by the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) under Project Sampark, the infrastructure milestone transforms the vital corridor linking Kishtwar with Himachal Pradesh’s remote Pangi Valley into a safer and more efficient transport route.
The extensive upgradation project featured major realignments between kilometer 55.000 to 58.875 and kilometer 62.000 to 71.425, drastically improving the road geometry. A crowning achievement of the project is the elevation of the road from Class-9 to National Highways Double Lane (NHDL) specifications through rigorous new formation cutting permitting smooth two-way vehicular traffic for the first time.
Navigating sheer rock faces, landslide-prone zones, severe winter weather and heavy rainfall, the 118 RCC team persevered through formidable obstacles. Commanding Officer (OC) Ajay Hooda spearheaded the execution under strict supervision translating the organization’s motto “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is achievable through hard work) into reality.
Local communities have welcomed the transformation which promises to reshape the socio-economic landscape of the Paddar region and Pangi Valley. The upgraded highway ensures unhindered access for remote villages such as Tiyari, Thumb and Ishtiyari bridging the gap to vital healthcare, education and commercial markets.
Residents have expressed profound relief and gratitude noting the direct impact on daily life and regional development.
Shanker Singh, a prominent resident of Galhaar Paddar, lauded the relentless efforts of the BRO team singling out OC Ajay Hooda for his visionary leadership.
“For generations, commuting along this treacherous cliffside route was an ordeal fraught with peril cutting us off from essential services during emergencies. Thanks to the relentless dedication of OC Ajay Hooda and his team at 118 RCC, we finally have a safe and reliable road link. They worked day and night against all odds to make this happen truly changing the destiny of our region,” Singh stated.
Beyond daily commuting, the improved highway provides a vital alternate route during peak winter months when heavy snowfall paralyzes high altitude passes ensuring a steady lifeline for essential supplies and humanitarian movement into the Pangi Valley.
Analysts note the project will also serve as a major catalyst for tourism facilitating smoother transit for travelers and boosting the movement of local agricultural and horticultural produce.