JAMMU, Sept 2: Braving incessant rains and harsh terrain, the Indian Army on Tuesday began construction of a Bailey bridge along National Highway-244 over Jangalwar stream, to restore connectivity to Doda and Kishtwar districts, which were cut off after last week’s devastating floods.
This is the second Bailey bridge being constructed by the Army in the region following record rainfall that triggered flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, leaving behind widespread death and destruction.
NH-244 Washed Away
The Jammu-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X that the floods had washed away sections of NH-244 near Thatri, the lifeline to Doda and Kishtwar, crippling mobility and cutting off several villages.
“Engineer troops are currently mobilising bridging stores and working at full pace to build the Bailey bridge over Jangalwar Nallah to restore partial connectivity at the earliest,” the Corps stated.
Coordination with Civil Administration
Despite challenging weather and terrain, Army engineers have commenced construction in close coordination with the civil administration. Troops of the White Knight Corps are securing the area, while J&K Police are managing traffic control to ensure smooth restoration efforts.
Recent Restoration Efforts
The bridge-building effort comes just days after Army engineers erected a 110-foot Bailey bridge in a 12-hour operation on August 29, reconnecting the flood-hit Tawi bridge in Jammu city and restoring vital vehicular traffic.
Separately, the Ramban district administration has sought Army assistance to build a temporary Bailey bridge at Batti, where flash floods in the Chenab river recently washed away another bridge, snapping connectivity to Gool sub-division, parts of Ramban tehsil, and several strategic national projects. Army engineers have already visited the site to expedite restoration.
Trail of Destruction
The calamity has left more than 130 people dead, over 120 injured, and 33 missing across Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi and Ramban districts since August 14. The record rainfall on August 26–27 caused flash floods in low-lying areas of Jammu and adjoining plains, leading to widespread damage to homes, bridges, agricultural fields, and public infrastructure.
With critical highways cut off and entire regions marooned, the Army’s bridge-building operations have emerged as a lifeline for thousands of stranded residents and pilgrims.
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