Highway connecting Ladakh with Kashmir likely to reopen a month earlier

The Highway, connecting the Ladakh region with the Kashmir valley is likely to reopen a month earlier this year if there is no fresh snowfall on the most troubled portion of the strategically important road between Sonmarg-Zojilla and Meenmarg.

The highway was closed in December last year after snowfall and slippery road conditions due to below freezing point temperature.   The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authorities have already started snow clearance operation on both sides of the Zojilla, where the Union government has already sanctioned construction of tunnel to make the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh National Highway, an all weather road.

However, due to less snowfall this winter, the highway is likely reopen by March 20 if there is no fresh snowfall or avalanches.

The highway used to remain closed till April every year due to heavy snowfall, particularly in Zojilla area. Project VIJAYAK of BRO has already put into service sophisticated machines and men from Meenmarg side to put through the highway early this time, Major Sumit Shindae, told reporters during the snow clearance operation.

He said 4 Dozer, 2 Snow Cutter  are working almost round the clock to remove the snow on the highway while one Dozer and Snow cutter Machines are on standby. Maj Sumit said  30 local labourers, 20 Army and BRO personnel are also on the job to put through the highway, lifeline to Ladakh region.