Jammu: Braving relentless rains, the Army on Tuesday began constructing a Bailey bridge over the Jangalwar stream along National Highway-244, aiming to restore connectivity to Doda and Kishtwar districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
This marks the second such bridge being built by the Army following last week’s unprecedented rainfall, which left a trail of destruction and loss of life across the region.
“Devastating floods in Jammu have submerged vast areas, sweeping away homes, bridges, and fields. NH-244, the lifeline connecting Doda and Kishtwar, was washed away near Thatri, cutting off villages and crippling mobility,” the Jammu-based White Knight Corps unit of the Army stated in a post on X.
The Army added that its engineer troops are mobilizing bridging materials and constructing the Bailey bridge over Jangalwar Nallah in Doda, aiming to restore partial connectivity at the earliest.
“Despite challenging weather and terrain, bridge construction has commenced in full swing, with engineers coordinating closely with the civil administration. Troops from the White Knight Corps are providing area security, while J&K Police manage traffic, ensuring smooth progress of restoration efforts,” the Army noted.
In a 12-hour operation on August 29, Army engineers had erected a 110-foot Bailey bridge to reconnect the flood-hit Tawi bridge, restoring vehicular movement on this critical link in Jammu city.
Meanwhile, the Ramban district administration has engaged the Army to construct a temporary Bailey bridge at Batti, which was washed away by recent Chenab flash floods. The loss of the bridge disrupted connectivity to Gool sub-division, parts of Ramban tehsil, and several strategic national projects. Army engineers have already visited the site to expedite restoration of this vital link.
Since August 14, more than 130 people—mostly pilgrims—have died, over 120 have been injured, and 33 remain missing due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban districts. The record rainfall on August 26-27 also triggered flash floods in low-lying areas of Jammu and surrounding plains, causing widespread damage to public and private properties.
