BRO initiates mid-winter opening of Mughal Road: Defence Ministry

Rajouri, Jan 31: The Defence Ministry has confirmed that manpower and equipment of BRO is pushing through 8 to 10 feet high snow in order to establish connectivity mid-winter on the historic Mughal Road.

On Saturday, Ministry of Defence through the office of Defence PRO Jammu informed about the decision. " BRO takes on opening of NH 701 A (Mughal Road) to connect Poonch to Srinagar through Peer Ki Gali in challenging weather and harsh terrain." Defence PRO Jammu stated in an official statement.

The ministry’s confirmation comes after this newspaper had reported that Border Roads Organization (BRO) has decided to restore strategically important Mughal Road in the mid of winter season for the first time in history. The road holds immense importance as it is alternate to Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for connecting Jammu province with Kashmir.

The road has been included in newly sanctioned 701-A National Highway and is now under the control of Border Roads Organization with Union Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways having sanctioned an esteemed project for construction of a tunnel to make this stretch all weather.

Earlier, this road used to remain closed during winter period after heavy snowfall and it is also lying close for movement of vehicles from last 10 days after fresh snowfall and it was anticipated by local population that road will be restored in the month of April, May after onset of summer season which was a past practice.

However, the BRO has decided to restore the road in mid winter season which is a first of its kind decision taken despite tough challenges including heavy snowfall on the road stretch, threat of large scale avalanches and severe slippery conditions. It has further been mentioned that manpower and equipment of Project Sampark of BRO is pushing through 8-10 feet snow to establish connectivity mid winter.

Locals have welcomed the decision. "The road stretch receives heavy snowfall which is always considered to be a high potential to attract tourists but road used to remain close during winters thus wasting this potential." said Azad Rahat of Rajouri. He added that with restoration of road during winters and at a time when mountains are loaded with snow, a fresh tourist influx will take place in this area giving a boon to the local economy