BRO Heroes Save Ladakh CEC After Toyota Fortuner Falls Into Zanskar River
Ladakh Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) and Chairman Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Leh) Tashi Gyalson was recently involved in a dangerous accident when his car plunged into the Zanskar river. The mishap happened on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha (NPD) strategic road, on July 20, 2025. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers soon showed up with help and rescued the CEC. It took them some time before they could get the traffic restored.
This unfortunate incident took place near the Kilima area. The place recently witnessed flash floods and massive landslides following heavy rainfall. These rendered many parts of the NPD road impassable. Officials even issued a strict travel advisory restricting vehicular movement on the road, from July 21st to 23rd. Restoration work has been in progress in multiple locations. BRO officials and workers are actively working to get these patches operational again. This turned out to be beneficial for the CEC, as he could be rescued soon.
The CEC was on his way to the Karsha Photang inauguration ceremony when the accident occurred. The vehicle, a White Toyota Fortuner, skidded off the NPD road and fell into the river. The NPD road is infamous for its unforgiving landscape and sky-high risks. The weather at this place can also be tricky.
Gyalson was travelling with his security convoy when this incident happened. The Fortuner had him and his security personnel in it. It was on a particularly challenging section of the road when the weather suddenly became hostile. The vehicle soon lost control and slipped into the icy river.
Rescue operations were reportedly risky. It was carried out by OC 114 RCC Maj. Ajay Kumar Chand and the highly skilled Motor Transport (MT) driver Patil Umesh Bhagwan. They could evacuate the CEC from the sinking vehicle safely. In an act of bravery, they risked their own lives to save Gyalson and his personnel.
The rescue personnel had two major challenges before them- time and current. They had to battle the strong currents in the river to get to the submerged vehicle. Gyalson and the security personnel had to then be pulled out with extreme precision, speed and coordination. In this operation, Maj. Ajay Kumar Chand used the learnings from his extensive training at the 114 RCC- abbreviation for 114 Road Construction Company ( a unit of BRO).
Gyalson later thanked his rescuers and complimented their courage and quick action. He also explained that the rescue team exhibited utmost professionalism and readiness. These helped in avoiding a potential tragedy.
You Are Safe On Ladakh's High-Altitude Roads
Most Indians would equate Ladakh with insane visual beauty. Serene landscapes, picturesque roads, valleys, mountains, snow and more. Some roads in Ladakh are extremely scary and dangerous to travel on. It is thus critical to have an emergency response team on standby at all times. The government has already set up such infrastructure there.
The 114 RCC is an example. It is responsible for maintaining the NPD stretch and is also tasked with the crisis management and rescue operations there. This incident shows just how capable and efficient the rescue teams here are.
Roadworks and infrastructure development projects are currently ongoing in many parts of Ladakh, including the remote corners. More units and rescue teams as efficient as the 114 RCC are being set up, to ensure safety of commuters.