The strategically vital Srinagar-Leh National Highway was reopened for traffic on Tuesday after a record shortest-ever winter closure of just 33 days, officials confirmed.
The closure was due to heavy snow accumulation on the Zojila Pass, a critical stretch of the highway, which typically remains closed for much longer during the harsh winter months.
The reopening of the Zojila Pass was marked by a ceremony led by Director General Border Roads (BRO) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan. He expressed his joy and emphasised the significance of the event, stating that although Eid had been celebrated the previous day, the reopening of the road felt like an Eid celebration for the people of the region.
"This road is not just essential for the local population, but also holds strategic importance for the defense forces," Lt Gen Srinivasan said during a media interaction near the pass. He commended the personnel of the BRO, who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to clear the road of snow and ice.
The team braved harsh weather and treacherous terrain, working around the clock to ensure the road was reopened as quickly as possible. "We worked under extremely difficult conditions, but thanks to the efforts of our dedicated BRO personnel, we achieved this milestone," Lt Gen Srinivasan noted.
The Zojila Pass, situated at an elevation of 11,643 feet along the 434-kilometer Srinagar-Leh National Highway, connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, making it a lifeline for the region.
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Historically, the pass has been closed from late November due to heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, only reopening by mid-April. In past years, the pass has remained closed for an average of 135 days, making the 33-day closure this year a remarkable achievement.
The reopening of the highway will improve connectivity for residents of both Kashmir and Ladakh and is of immense strategic importance, particularly for defense operations in the region.
The successful reopening of the Zojila Pass reflects the efforts and commitment of the Border Roads Organisation in overcoming natural challenges and ensuring the vital road remains accessible despite the harsh winter conditions.
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