Heavy landslides triggered by intense rainfall and a cloudburst have caused extensive damage to the Thannamandi–DKG–Bufliaz Road in Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting a vital road link connecting the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with the Kashmir Valley. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched restoration work on a war footing, deploying heavy machinery and engineering teams to clear debris and rebuild damaged sections of the road.
The road has remained closed for nearly two weeks after flash floods on July 19 washed away several stretches of the newly constructed carriageway, culverts, and roadside infrastructure. Massive landslides and uprooted trees further complicated access, forcing authorities to divert traffic through the Bimber Gali (BG) route as an alternative. Officials have advised commuters to avoid the damaged stretch until it is declared safe for travel.
According to engineers supervising the restoration work, nearly 90 percent of the road construction had already been completed before the disaster struck. Waqar Choudhary, a site engineer with the construction company, said the remaining work has become significantly more challenging due to the destruction caused by the flash floods. Despite the setbacks, he expressed confidence that the road could be reopened within the next two days if weather conditions remain favourable.
BRO personnel are working around the clock with excavators, earthmovers, and other heavy equipment to remove landslide debris and restore damaged embankments. Engineers are also assessing the stability of vulnerable slopes to reduce the risk of further collapses. The restoration effort is being closely monitored because the road serves as an important transport corridor for civilians, emergency services, and security forces operating in the border region.
Local residents have welcomed the swift response by the BRO but have urged authorities to adopt long-term measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future. They have called for improved slope protection, better drainage systems, and the construction of tunnels in landslide-prone areas to ensure year-round connectivity. Many villagers said recurring landslides have repeatedly isolated communities, affecting access to healthcare, education, and essential supplies.
The damage to the Thannamandi–DKG–Bufliaz Road is part of the wider devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains across Jammu and Kashmir, where flash floods and landslides have damaged roads, bridges, and public infrastructure in several districts. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions while urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable mountain routes until restoration work is completed.
