Jammu, August 30, 2025: In a remarkable feat of engineering, the Indian Army’s Tiger Division restored vehicular traffic on the flood-damaged Fourth Tawi Bridge in Jammu city by constructing a 110-foot Bailey bridge in just 12 hours. The swift action, completed on August 29, brought relief to thousands of daily commuters after heavy rainfall and flash floods on August 26 caused the Tawi River to swell, washing away a portion of the bridge’s approach road near Bhagwati Nagar.
The collapse of the road connecting the Fourth Tawi Bridge to Bikram Chowk stranded vehicles and disrupted connectivity along this vital artery of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, critical for civilian traffic, tourism, and defense operations. Responding to a request from the civil administration, Army engineers began work on August 29 morning, overcoming challenging conditions, including washed-out approaches and limited workspace, to erect the temporary Bailey bridge by evening.
Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Tiger Division, highlighted the operation’s urgency, stating, “The Fourth Tawi Bridge is a lifeline for Jammu. Our engineers worked under tough conditions to restore connectivity, ensuring smooth traffic flow until permanent repairs are completed.” The Army’s efforts, in coordination with local authorities, also included rescuing nearly 1,000 stranded individuals, providing medical aid, food, and relief materials, and laying alternative Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) lines to restore communication links.
The Tawi River’s flooding, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, caused widespread infrastructure damage across Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts. The Army’s rapid response prevented potential isolation of villages and facilitated the flow of essential supplies, underscoring its role as a first responder in natural calamities. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Farooq Qaiser noted that one-way traffic was initially restored on August 28, with the Bailey bridge enabling full two-way connectivity.
This is not the first time the Fourth Tawi Bridge has faced such damage; similar flooding in 2024 affected the same spot, which was later repaired. The Army’s proactive intervention, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration, highlights its commitment to disaster response and public safety.
