Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Pawan Sharma, State Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, has warmly welcomed the decision of the Government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to entrust the construction and maintenance of the Atholi–Machail road in district Kishtwar to the Border Roads Organization.
Describing the decision as timely and highly significant, Sharma said it comes in the aftermath of the recent floods in the Chashoti area of Atholi tehsil, which caused extensive damage to the road infrastructure and exposed the urgent need for a strong, reliable and all-weather road network in this remote Himalayan region.
Sharma stated that the Atholi–Machail route holds immense religious and strategic importance, especially for thousands of devotees who undertake the annual pilgrimage to the sacred Machail Mata Temple during the Machail Mata Yatra.
Every year, devotees from across Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country travel to seek the blessings of the revered goddess. At present, the road connectivity from Kishtwar to Atholi and Gulabgarh is approximately 65 kilometres, after which pilgrims traditionally have to traverse difficult mountainous terrain and undertake a trek of nearly 30 kilometres to reach Machail.
Due to harsh weather conditions, landslides, and flash floods, the route frequently remains vulnerable, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns for both pilgrims and local residents.
Sharma noted that by assigning this project to the Border Roads Organization, the Government of India has ensured that the road will be constructed and maintained according to high engineering standards suited to mountainous terrain. BRO’s vast experience in building and maintaining roads in challenging and high-altitude regions will significantly enhance the safety, durability, and year-round accessibility of this vital route.
He emphasized that the development of the Atholi–Machail road will bring multiple benefits to the people of Paddar valley and nearby villages, including Safer and smoother travel for Machail Mata pilgrims, especially during the annual yatra season, Improved connectivity for remote villages such as Chashoti and other settlements in Atholi tehsil, Better access to healthcare, education, and markets for local residents, a major boost to tourism and the local economy, benefiting small businesses, transport operators, and service providers, and faster response during emergencies and natural disasters, which is critical in such remote mountainous areas.
Sharma further stated that the Modi Government has consistently prioritized connectivity and infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in remote and border areas. Roads built by the Border Roads Organization have already transformed accessibility in several mountainous regions, and the Atholi–Machail road project will be another major milestone in this direction.
He expressed confidence that once the BRO completes the construction and strengthening of the road, the Machail Mata Yatra will become safer, more convenient, and accessible for thousands of devotees, while also paving the way for long-term development and prosperity in the Paddar valley.
Sharma extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for taking this visionary and people-centric decision for the welfare of the people of Kishtwar and the devotees of Machail Mata.
He also reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains firmly committed to strengthening infrastructure, promoting religious tourism, and improving the quality of life of people living in remote regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
