SSG road reopens for two-way traffic

Srinagar, May 15: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has announced the reopening of the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road for two-way movement of medium and heavy motor vehicles following completion of snow clearance operations.
According to an official notification, the road has been opened from May 15, subject to weather conditions and strict safety measures.
The district administrations of Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil will review weather advisories daily before allowing vehicular movement and finalising traffic timings.
To ensure smooth movement, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has been directed to establish a traffic check-post at Sonamarg, while recovery vans will remain deployed along the upper reaches of the highway to assist stranded vehicles.
Authorities have made anti-skid chains mandatory for all vehicles travelling on the route. Only vehicles falling within the prescribed weight limits will be permitted after proper checking and weighing at Sonamarg.
The administration will also set up joint control rooms involving officials from Traffic, Civil, Police and Mechanical Engineering departments in Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil for coordination and emergency response.
The Meteorological Department has been asked to coordinate with SASE for advance avalanche warnings to concerned agencies.
Officials advised that vehicles using the route should preferably be four-wheel drive, mechanically fit and driven by experienced drivers familiar with hilly terrain.
The movement of vehicles on the road will be conducted in escorted convoys from both ends as a precautionary safety measure. (KINS)