Union Minister Kiren Rijiju joined personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in clearing a massive snow blockade in the remote high-altitude region of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, after heavy snowfall brought traffic to a standstill along a strategic mountain route.
Snowfall Blocks Strategic High-Altitude Route
The blockade occurred between Shongatser Lake and PT Tso, a critical stretch used by both defence forces and civilians in the western Arunachal region. Continuous snowfall over the past few days led to thick snow accumulation, making vehicular movement impossible and disrupting connectivity in the border district.
The route holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and maintaining access during winter months is vital for troop movement, logistics, and civilian supplies.
Rijiju Praises BRO’s Round-the-Clock Efforts
Sharing a video from the site, Rijiju, who represents Arunachal West in Parliament, highlighted the challenging conditions under which BRO personnel operate. He praised the organisation for remaining “forever alert” and ensuring continuous connectivity even during extreme winters.
According to officials, BRO teams worked through freezing temperatures and low visibility, deploying heavy machinery to clear snow and reopen the road at the earliest.
Supporters Applaud Hands-On Gesture
Supporters of the minister lauded his presence on the ground, calling it a morale booster for field teams working in harsh environments. Many social media users described the gesture as symbolic leadership, appreciating his acknowledgment of the BRO’s role in maintaining border infrastructure.
Several defence commentators also highlighted how winter preparedness in border states like Arunachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in national security.
Criticism and Online Mockery Surface
However, the episode also attracted criticism. Some users dismissed the act as a “photo opportunity,” questioning whether ministerial involvement was necessary in operational tasks. A few online comments mockingly focused on Rijiju’s posture while pushing a vehicle, with others sarcastically suggesting that a “real” show of strength would involve lifting the car alone.
Despite the criticism, officials clarified that the minister’s presence did not interfere with operations and that the clearance work was fully led and executed by BRO professionals.
Border Infrastructure Under Spotlight
The incident once again brought attention to the importance of all-weather border infrastructure in India’s northeastern frontier. Over the past decade, significant investments have been made to upgrade roads, tunnels, and bridges in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure year-round connectivity.
As winter conditions persist in high-altitude regions, authorities have urged travelers to remain cautious and follow advisories issued by local administrations and defence agencies.
During heavy snow we must prepared for any situation. Personnel of Border Roads Organisation are forever alert for continuous movement of Defence Forces and Civilians. We faced huge Snow blockade, between Shongatser Lake and PT Tso area, under Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/UZPaHUwJuy
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 16, 2026
