The Srinagar-Leh National Highway, a vital artery connecting Ladakh with Kashmir, is expected to reopen within a week, bringing relief to the region after a two-month closure due to heavy snowfall.
Officials informed that significant progress has been achieved in snow clearance efforts along the Zojila Pass, paving the way for the highway's restoration.
The highway was rendered impassable in February following heavy snowfall, disrupting essential supplies and travel between the regions.
However, with improved weather conditions, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiated snow clearance operations last week, particularly focusing on the Zojila Pass.
Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, expressed satisfaction with the dedication of the BRO teams involved in the snow clearance.
He anticipated the reconnection of the pass within two days, allowing for the reopening of the entire highway within a week.
Akhoon emphasised the importance of reopening the highway during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities and travel for residents.
Project Beacon and Project Vijayak, the BRO wings responsible for road maintenance on either side of the Zojila Pass, have been working tirelessly to clear the snow-covered roads.
Despite facing avalanches and snow exceeding 15 feet in certain areas, the teams remain confident about reconnecting the highway soon.
Officials from both projects echoed this optimism, highlighting the substantial progress made and their hope for a timely reopening, weather permitting.
The closure of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway underscored the challenges posed by harsh winter conditions in the region.
However, the determined efforts of the BRO teams offer a welcome prospect for the imminent restoration of this vital transportation link, facilitating the movement of people and goods between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
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