Srinagar-Leh highway reopens for traffic

Srinagar, Nov 5: The Srinagar-Leh highway, which had remained closed due to heavy snowfall in Sonamarg, Zojila, and Drass areas, has been reopened for vehicular movement after authorities cleared accumulated snow and ensured road safety.
Officials said that passenger and heavy vehicles have now been allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil following successful snow clearance operations by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The traffic was suspended earlier after fresh snowfall made the road slippery and unsafe for movement.
“Traffic movement has been restored on the highway, and vehicles are being allowed to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil in a regulated manner,” an official from the traffic department said, adding that continuous monitoring is underway due to sub-zero temperatures at higher reaches.
The Srinagar-Leh highway serves as the only surface link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh and often faces temporary closures during early winter due to snowfall over Zojila Pass.
Authorities have advised drivers to follow traffic advisories strictly and avoid unnecessary travel during late evening hours as intermittent snowfall and freezing conditions may still pose risks in certain stretches. [KNT]