Pangi delegation meets BRO Chief Engineer
A delegation of Pangi people under the banner of Pangwal Ekta Manch, a public forum, met Brigadier Rajeev Kumar, Chief Engineer of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Deepak Project, in Manali to address key infrastructure developments in the tribal valley. Their primary demand was related construction, widening, and blacktopping of the Sansari Nala-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) road, a vital lifeline for the region, especially during winters when the Chamba-Killar route via Sach Pass is closed.
During the discussions, Brigadier Kumar provided updates on ongoing work on the road. He assured that the blacktopping of the road from Udaipur to Madgaon is on track for completion by December 20, 2024, provided there is no heavy snowfall. Similarly, a 2-km stretch from Tindi towards Udaipur is expected to be blacktopped by the same date.
Orders have also been issued for the blacktopping of the Ur-Ki-Dhakki section. Looking ahead, the BRO plans to extend blacktopping to the Udaipur-Tindi and Purthi-Killar stretches in 2025. The installation of crash barriers along these roads will continue as part of the upgrades. Furthermore, directives have been issued to ensure that this critical route remains operational during the winter months, said Brigadier Kumar.
The delegation also emphasised the strategic importance of the “Dramman-Sihunta-Chowari Jot-Chamba-Koti-Tissa-Killar” route, which was declared a National Highway in principle by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2016. They highlighted its potential to serve as a safer and shorter route for military convoys traveling to Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh via Mandi, Kullu and the Atal Tunnel. The proposal included a request for the BRO to take over the project and construct a tunnel at Chehni Pass, which would significantly enhance connectivity and security for the armed forces.
In response, the BRO assured the delegation that the proposal would be examined thoroughly and necessary steps would be taken. The members of the delegation extended their gratitude to Brigadier Kumar and the BRO team for their proactive approach in addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges and issuing immediate directives for further action.
