Srinagar-Leh highway shut after heavy snowfall at Zojila and Sonamarg

Ganderbal, Nov 05: The Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed for vehicular movement following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, particularly at Zojila, Sonamarg, Minimarg, and Drass, officials said on Wednesday morning.

According to officials, snowfall began around 6 PM on Tuesday in the health resort areas, leading to a sharp fall in temperature and making the road surface slippery. The authorities immediately halted vehicular traffic as a precautionary measure to prevent mishaps.

Traffic Police sources said that several vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway following the closure. “Nearly nine inches of snow were recorded at Zojila and around five inches at Sonamarg,” an official said.

The Meteorological Department had earlier forecast light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, a prediction that materialized with Wednesday’s spell across the region.

Meanwhile, authorities have advised travellers to refrain from undertaking journeys along the route until clearance operations are completed and the highway is deemed safe for travel. [KNT]