Gurez-Bandipora road remains closed

Bandipora, Dec 29: The 84 kilometers long Gurez-Bandipora road remained closed on Sunday, after opening momentarily.

The road had closed on Friday after widespread snowfall in the valley, including Razdan Top, nestled at an altitude of over 11,000 feet.

However, following the snowfall, the BRO which maintains the road, was able to complete clearance operations in less then two days on Sunday, one of the rare feats amid harshest winter days.

With snow clearance operation by BRO, the road "was opened for a brief period today," Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mukhtar Ahamd told Greater Kashmir.

The BRO was even able to cross Razdan pass, which is considered most dangerous for fast icy winds and repeated snow accumulation, the phenomenon was witnessed on Sunday too.

"But [the road] had to be closed again due to snow slides and low visibility," SDM said.

One official said, the snow storms at Razdan due to fast winds, and other factors, forced the administration to take the call to keep the road closed on Sunday soon after giving a green signal.

The road will now likely open "tomorrow,' SDM said.