Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Feb 26: Authorities have ordered reopening of historic Mughal Road for vehicular movement from Friday (February 27), following the successful clearance of heavy snow accumulation along the high-altitude stretch.
The decision has sparked widespread relief and happiness among residents of Shopian and the Pir Panchal region, who remain cut off from each other for months during the harsh winter season.
According to official orders issued by the district administrations of Shopian and Poonch, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be permitted to ply on the road between Bufliaz and Peer Ki Gali from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, subject to favourable weather conditions and absence of any unforeseen disruptions.
The reopening follows recommendations from the Officer Commanding, 79 RCC (GREF), after snow clearance operations were completed on the crucial Bufliaz–Peer Ki Gali stretch, one of the most avalanche-prone segments of the route.
Officials said the movement will initially remain regulated and restricted to daytime hours to ensure commuter safety. Authorities said that traffic will only be allowed under suitable weather conditions, and travellers must strictly adhere to advisories issued by the Traffic Police.
To ensure smooth and safe passage, the 79 RCC (GREF) has been directed to maintain adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable locations, particularly in avalanche-prone zones. Continuous monitoring of these stretches will be carried out to mitigate risks such as landslides, shooting stones, and sudden snow slides.
The Senior Superintendents of Police of Poonch and Traffic Rural Jammu, along with officials in Shopian, have been instructed to deploy sufficient personnel at key checkpoints, including Behramgalla, Bufliaz, and Poshana. These measures aim to regulate traffic flow, enforce timing restrictions, and prevent congestion on the narrow mountain road.
Residents from both sides of the Pir Panchal range have welcomed the move, calling it a “lifeline” that reconnects families, facilitates trade, and reduces travel time between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. Many expressed hope that the road will remain operational for the whole year very soon
The Mughal Road, officially designated as NH-701A, serves as an alternate route connecting Shopian in south Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu.
Apart from its strategic importance, the road also holds historical significance, tracing the route once used by Mughal emperors.
Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully, stay updated with official traffic advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather conditions to ensure safety along the mountainous terrain.
