Chamba: In a major push to reconnect the remote tribal sub-division of Pangi with the Chamba district headquarters, the Public Works Department (PWD) has launched an intensive snow-clearing operation on the high-altitude Saach Pass route.
Situated at nearly 14,000 feet, the Saach Pass remains closed for several months due to heavy snowfall during winter.
Starting Tuesday (April 8, 2025), snow removal efforts began simultaneously from both ends — Bairagarh and Killar — with JCB machines deployed to cut through the thick walls of snow.
PWD’s Executive Engineer for the Pangi division, Ravi Sharma, dispatched dedicated teams from the headquarters to expedite the reopening of the road.
The department has set a target to restore vehicular movement by the end of May, provided the weather remains favourable.
“With clear weather, we aim to open the Saach Pass route for traffic by the end of May. Our teams are working with full force from both sides to bring relief to the people of Pangi,” said Ravi Sharma.
The Chamba-Pangi road via Saach Pass is the shortest link between the two regions, just 170 km. However, when the pass is closed, residents are forced to undertake a gruelling 750-km journey through Kullu and Jammu to reach Chamba.
PWD officials said that snow has accumulated in layers measuring several meters, making the task challenging. Nevertheless, with heavy machinery and a focused effort, the department is confident of reopening the route within the next two months.
The commencement of the snow-clearing operation has sparked hope among Pangi residents, who look forward to regaining direct access to administrative and medical services in Chamba.
As the machines began carving through the frozen mountains on Tuesday, the long-isolated valley took a step closer to reconnecting with the rest of the state.
Subhash Mahajan
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