Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 12: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Thursday completed snow clearance operations on the strategic Gurez-Bandipora road, restoring connectivity to the remote valley and the Line of Control (LoC) in record time, officials said.
The road, which passes through Razdan Top at an altitude of around 3,300 metres, usually remains closed for nearly six months during winter due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Gurez valley from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is the shortest time in which the Gurez road has been reopened after heavy snowfall. Despite extreme weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, icy stretches and strong winds, our teams worked relentlessly to restore connectivity,” a senior BRO official said.
The 35-kilometre stretch from Bandipora to Razdan Top is considered particularly challenging during winter. Officials said coordinated efforts between the district administration and the BRO enabled early snow clearance this year.
“For the first time, we made a concerted attempt to keep the road open for a longer duration during winter. Our objective was to ensure that residents of Gurez do not remain completely cut off and have access to essential supplies and services,” a district administration official said.
Gurez valley traditionally remains cut off for nearly half a year, forcing residents to stock essential commodities before the onset of winter, usually by October. The road is generally closed following the first major snowfall at Razdan Top.
Authorities said that, subject to fair weather and final clearance from the BRO, traffic will be allowed to ply from Bandipora to Gurez on February 13, 2026, as per a regulated schedule.
Traffic will start from TCP Tragbal at 9:00 am, with a cut-off time of 10:00 am. No heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed on the route. Officials said vehicles without anti-skid chains will not be permitted, and no traffic will be allowed from the opposite direction, that is, from Gurez to Bandipora.
Passengers and drivers have been advised to confirm the road status before commencing their journey by contacting the District Control Room Bandipora at 7006526985 or PCR Bandipora at 9596767430.
“In the interest of public safety, all commuters are advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines and cooperate with the administration to ensure a safe journey,” they said.
The restoration of the vital link has brought relief to residents of the border valley, who rely heavily on the route for essential supplies, healthcare access and travel during the harsh winter season.
