Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Feb 24: Residents of Shopian and the Pir Panjal region have urged authorities to expedite the reopening of the historic Mughal Road, as snow clearance operations continue after heavy winter accumulation disrupted connectivity.
The vital road link, connecting Shopian in Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division, has remained shut due to thick layers of snow. Its closure has significantly impacted daily life, trade, and emergency movement for people residing on either side of the Pir Panjal range.
Locals said that the prolonged closure has already caused considerable hardship, although it has remained open for most of the winter.
“This road is not just a route—it is our lifeline,” said Junaid Ahmad, a resident of Shopian. “With it closed, we are forced to take longer and more expensive routes, which many families simply cannot afford.”
Voicing similar concerns, residents from the Pir Panjal side said the shutdown has affected access to essential services. “Students, patients, and traders are all suffering. In medical emergencies, delays can be life-threatening,” said Mohammad Yousuf from Poonch.
Locals, however, noted that this winter the road remained functional for a longer duration compared to previous years and was closed only after heavy snowfall.
“The delay in reopening is hurting business, especially shopkeepers and others en route to the road. We appeal to authorities to speed up the process and open the road at the earliest,” said a shopkeeper.
Residents further called for a comprehensive winter preparedness plan to avoid recurring disruptions. “Every year we face the same issue. Authorities must ensure better planning so the road either remains open or is restored quickly,” another local said.
The Mughal Road, apart from its historical and scenic importance, serves as a crucial alternate link between Kashmir and Jammu regions, significantly reducing travel distance when operational.
Meanwhile, officials said that snow clearance is nearing completion, marking a rare achievement as the road has almost been cleared in February for the first time.
Authorities have reiterated that all efforts are underway to restore traffic at the earliest, offering much-needed relief to thousands dependent on this key route.
