Srinagar-Leh Highway opens partially to restore supply of goods for Ladakh

Ganderbal, Mar 30: The 425-km Srinagar-Leh National Highway, considered as the lifeline of the Union Territory of Ladakh, was reopened on Sunday to carry essential commodities after remaining closed for more than two weeks owing to heavy snowfall along the Zojila Pass.

After hectic efforts the teams of Project Vijayak and Beacon of Border Roads Organization (BRO) had pressed machines for snow clearance, however inclement weather and fresh avalanches along Zojila had delayed the road reopening. On Saturday the road was connected and subsequently restored for one way traffic movement on Sunday. An official told Greater Kashmir that only vehicles with essential commodities were allowed to move towards Kargil from Sonamarg side on Sunday. SDM Drass Vishal Atri said that atleast 300 vehicles with essential commodities were allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil, adding that the decision to allow passenger traffic will be taken by the higher authorities in the next few days.

Hundreds of Kargil bound passengers protested against the authorities for not allowing them towards Kargil. However, authorities maintained that the road is not completely motorable for light motor and passenger vehicles.

Chief Executive Councillor Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon has appreciated the efforts of BRO teams in connecting Srinagar-Leh highway. " Kudos to Project Vijayak, Project Beacon, and the diligent workers for their exceptional efforts in restoring traffic movement on the Zojila Axis,” he said. Pertinently, the highway closure resulted in disruption of essential supply routes. The reopening brings relief to residents especially during the holy month of Ramadhan and in the run up to Eid-ul-Fitr.