Snow accumulation blocks Mughal Road, clearance work underway

Shopian, Jan 06: The historic Mughal Road continues to remain closed for vehicular traffic following overnight snowfall in the higher reaches, officials said on Tuesday. The closure comes amid renewed winter activity that has led to significant snow accumulation along the vital inter-district road connecting south Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region.

According to officials, nearly four inches of fresh snow has accumulated on various stretches of the Mughal Road during the latest spell, making the surface unsafe for movement. The snowfall has further aggravated already challenging winter conditions in the area, leading to continuous blockage of traffic.

Teams of the Border Roads Organisation have been deployed and snow clearance operations are currently underway. Heavy machinery has been pressed into service to remove snow and restore connectivity, but officials said that it will take some time before the road is declared fit for traffic.

Authorities have advised locals and commuters to avoid attempting travel on the Mughal Road until clearance work is fully completed and an official clearance order is issued. The road is prone to frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, and reopening depends largely on weather conditions.

Officials said continuous monitoring is being carried out and further updates will be shared once the situation improves and traffic movement becomes possible. [KNT]