Vehicular movement suspended on Bandipora–Gurez road after fresh snowfall

Bandipora, Oct 06: Authorities on Monday temporarily suspended vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road following fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, the gateway to Gurez Valley. Officials said the move was taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of travellers.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad, confirmed that the 84-kilometre-long Bandipora–Gurez road has been closed for traffic movement after fresh snowfall occurred in the higher reaches. “We have halted the movement of vehicles as a safety precaution. The situation is being closely monitored, and the road will be reopened once the weather improves,” the SDM said.

Meanwhile, snowfall has also been reported at Zojila and the upper reaches of Sonamarg in central Kashmir. A traffic official said that if snowfall continues, traffic on the Srinagar–Leh highway will also be suspended to prevent any untoward incidents.

The fresh spell of snow has led to a sharp dip in temperature, signaling the onset of the winter season in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have advised drivers to stay cautious and avoid travelling through mountainous routes until conditions become favorable. [KNT]