Srinagar–Leh Highway reopens partially after four-day closure

Ganderbal, Jan 2: After remaining closed for four days due to heavy snowfall, the Srinagar–Leh highway was on Friday partially reopened for one-way passenger traffic, officials said.
The vital highway had been shut as a precautionary measure following continuous snowfall, which severely affected road conditions and visibility. The closure resulted in large numbers of passenger and goods vehicles getting stranded on both sides of the highway, causing inconvenience to commuters and transporters alike.
Officials said snow clearance operations were undertaken at the Zojila stretch by the Border Roads Organisation in coordination with Project Vijayak. Labourers and heavy machinery were deployed on a war footing to remove accumulated snow and restore basic road connectivity. Following the completion of clearance work on the Minamarg–Sonamarg sector, passenger vehicles were allowed to proceed from Minamarg towards Sonamarg.
However, vehicular movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil continues to remain suspended as road conditions beyond Zojila are still being assessed. Traffic authorities said the decision to restrict movement was taken in the interest of public safety.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir R.P Singh said that traffic from Sonamarg towards Kargil is likely to be restored on Saturday if weather conditions remain favourable. He said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will take a final call after reviewing road stability and weather forecasts.
Meanwhile, due to slippery conditions at Zojila Pass, drivers have been directed to mandatorily use anti-skid chains while travelling on the stretch. Traffic police have urged motorists to strictly adhere to advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until full restoration of traffic is announced. [KNT]