Following recent devastating floods and infrastructure damage in the Jammu and Kashmir region, the Indian Army has been called upon to assist in restoring crucial road connectivity in the Ramban and Doda districts. The prompt response aims to facilitate the movement of essential supplies and restore transport services to areas severely affected by the natural disaster.

In Ramban district, a stretch of the Karoal-Maitra-Gool Road at Batti was washed away due to flash floods in the Chenab River, disrupting connectivity to the Gool sub-division, parts of the Ramban tehsil, and several strategically important national projects. Recognizing the urgency and the strategic importance of this route, the Ramban Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Alyas Khan, along with officials from the Army, conducted an extensive inspection of the damaged area. The Karoal-Maitra-Gool Road serves as a vital supply line for the people of the Gool sub-division and adjacent areas. It is also a critical corridor for major national projects, including the railway line and the Sawalkote hydro project. To address the immediate need for connectivity, Army engineers are preparing to construct a temporary Bailey bridge at the washed-out site.

In Doda district, National Highway-244 (NH-244), a crucial lifeline for Doda and Kishtwar districts, was severely damaged near Thatri, crippling mobility and cutting off villages. The Army's White Knight Corps mobilized its engineer troops to construct a Bailey bridge over the Jangalwar Nallah. Despite challenging weather and terrain, the construction is progressing with the cooperation of the civil administration and local police. The Army successfully built the Bailey bridge over Jangalwar Nallah and restored vital connectivity on NH-244 to Doda and Kishtwar in record time. Traffic control is being managed by the J&K Police to ensure the smooth progress of the restoration efforts. The bridge will be opened for traffic after necessary validations in coordination with civil administration.

The Army has already demonstrated its rapid response capabilities by constructing a 100-foot Bailey bridge over the Tawi River in Jammu in less than 12 hours on August 29. This swift action ensured the restoration of vehicular traffic on a vital link in Jammu city. The construction of these Bailey bridges highlights the collaborative effort between the Army, civil administration, and local police to restore critical infrastructure and provide relief to the affected communities. These efforts are particularly crucial for maintaining the supply of essential goods and supporting ongoing national projects in the region.