The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is racing to restore the Rishikesh–Gangotri road after a cloudburst and heavy rains in Uttarakhand washed away bridges and roads, leaving hundreds stranded. A 90-foot Bailey bridge at Limchigad is under rapid construction as BRO battles extreme terrain and monsoon challenges.
In the wake of a devastating cloudburst and relentless rains that have battered Uttarakhand, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched an all-out operation to restore the vital Rishikesh–Gangotri road, leaving no stone unturned to reconnect hundreds of stranded pilgrims and locals.
The torrential downpour, which triggered massive landslides and washed away key road infrastructure, has brought life to a standstill in parts of Uttarkashi district. Among the worst-hit sections is the Bailey bridge at Limchigad (km 214.05) along National Highway 34, which was completely swept away by floodwaters, severing the crucial link to the upper reaches of the Uttarkashi–Gangotri axis.
Emergency Bridge Construction Underway
BRO officials confirmed that a 90-foot Bailey bridge is being constructed at Limchigad under extreme weather conditions to re-establish connectivity as quickly as possible. This temporary but sturdy structure is seen as a lifeline for locals, pilgrims visiting the Gangotri temple, and strategic movement in the region.
“BRO is working around the clock to restore the connectivity of this vital route,” an official said. “Despite the extreme terrain and adverse conditions, our personnel are pushing forward tirelessly, day and night.”
Widespread Damage Across NH-34
The destruction is not limited to Limchigad. BRO reports significant damages across multiple sections of NH-34, which connects Rishikesh to Gangotri – one of the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. Key damages include:
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A 100-metre road washout at Papadgad (km 202)
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Heavy debris blockages near Dharali
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Formation breaches near km 198
Landslides have also caused temporary road closures at Heena, Tekhla, Netala, Nalupani, and Narendra Nagar. Swift clearance efforts by BRO teams have already reopened these stretches, but larger restoration works are still ongoing.
Heavy Machinery and Strategic Mobilisation
The BRO’s Project Shivalik has deployed teams equipped with JCBs, excavators, wheel loaders, and tippers to expedite clearance and reconstruction work. At Dharali alone, 300 metres of muck is being removed, while heavy machinery works on rebuilding washed-out road sections.
Efforts have also been extended to the Joshimath–Malari axis, another strategically important route in Uttarakhand that has been severely impacted by landslides triggered by the ongoing monsoon.
BRO’s Role in Disaster Recovery
The BRO’s rapid mobilisation underscores its crucial role in India’s disaster response network. In Uttarakhand’s fragile mountain terrain, roads are more than just travel routes – they are lifelines that connect remote communities to healthcare, food supplies, and emergency services.
“The situation remains grave,” a BRO official warned, “but we are committed to restoring access as quickly as possible.”
Monsoon Challenges Persist
With monsoon rains continuing to lash the region, restoration work remains a race against time. BRO engineers are working under the constant threat of further landslides and flooding, making their task both dangerous and urgent.
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Authorities have urged the public and pilgrims to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions until road connectivity is fully restored.
As the 2025 Char Dham Yatra season progresses, the reopening of the Rishikesh–Gangotri road will be essential to ensuring the safe passage of devotees and sustaining the economic and social stability of the region.
The BRO’s efforts stand as a testament to resilience, engineering skill, and unwavering commitment to restoring Uttarakhand’s lifelines in the face of nature’s fury.
