Suhail Rather
Srinagar: Superheroes do exist among us, and they have a profound effect on the lives of thousands of individuals in our community via their commitment and perseverance.
The Web Story brings you the tale of true unsung heroes whose contributions are not only immeasurable but whose influence on everyone’s lives is so profound that it is difficult to forget them.
Let’s meet the Border Roads Organization (BRO) heroes- the unsung heroes battling to make the border roads accessible to travelers this winter.
From Zojila pass in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to Sinthan top in south Kashmir district to Sadna top in Kupwara district to Razdan top in Bandipora district, these men have made a name for themselves by working tirelessly and ruthlessly to maintain all of these roads available for travel even during this harsh winter of Kashmir.
Bandipora:
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is doing a tremendous job to keep the 85-kilometer-long Bandipora-Gurez road open for vehicular traffic despite the hilly region having already received heavy snowfall.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is now making all efforts to clear the snow at Razdan Pass to open the road for vehicular traffic.
Gurez Valley remains cut off from the rest of the world for about six months, and the people living there have to stock basic amenities up to October for the next six months. The road is also closed with the first snowfall on Razdan’s top, the highest point between Gurez and Bandipora, situated at an altitude of 3300 m.
However, this year the district administration decided to keep the road open, and with the help of BRO, they have so far succeeded in it.
An officer of the BRO, while speaking to The Web Story, said that four teams were set up to clear the snow from the same route.
“We are making efforts to open the road for traffic to connect Gurez with the rest of the world even though the weather conditions are extremely bad,” he added.
He said each team (two each from both sides) had 10 officers’ subordinate staff and 250 laborers. All the men were provided with snow-cutting equipment such as snow cutters, bulldozers, and excavators.
“To accomplish the task, these men work for more than eight hours per day,” he said, adding that while clearing the snow at the track, the avalanche threat always remains there.
“But despite that, our men are clearing snow to open the road for vehicular movement for an extended period of time in winter, and for that, BRO is very keen on making it possible,” he added.
Even in the bitterly cold weather, these brave men are working arduously together to finish the task. When the winter months are at their worst, the temperature at Razdan Pass typically stays below zero, and the weather is terrible.
Zojila:
The officer stated that the same is true for Zojila, where Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel deployed under Project Beacon allowed unrestricted transport movement by keeping the strategic pass open and facilitating connectivity to the Ladakh region.
Zojila Pass, located at an altitude of 11643 feet on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, is the lifeline between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
The BRO is clearing the road for the first time in such difficult weather, despite the icy surface, bitter winds, and freezing temperatures, in order to provide expanded connection for the residents of Ladakh with the rest of the state.
Pertinently, in 2022 Zojila Pass was kept open until January 3.
“This year, once again due to the concerted efforts of Project Beacon, the Zojila Pass was kept open for the first time ever until January 6,” a defense spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said more than 20 pieces of heavy-duty plant equipment, including four state-of-the-art snow cutters, were employed to keep the axis open.
The BRO has also completed successful trials of route guidance and navigation system technology for snow clearance to enhance efficiency and safety while performing such operations, the official said.
“Project Beacon” has ensured connectivity to meet the strategic requirements of the Indian Army and the survival requirements of the local population of Ladakh, the spokesperson said.
The officer said that efforts are being made to keep other border routes open, including Sadna Top in Kupwara and Sinthan Top in South Kashmir.
