NEW DELHI, Mar 16: Zojila Pass, located in the greater Himalaya ranges connecting Ladakh with Jammu and Kashmir, was reopened on Thursday by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) after closure of record number of only 68 days.
Zojila Pass, at 11,650 feet, is a very important gateway between the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
But due to its location in the high altitude and the adverse weather conditions, Zojila Pass is usually closed for traffic during the winter months when the entire route remains snowbound.
But the BRO has made it possible to clear the road at the earliest. The Pass was kept open for traffic until January 6, 2023, when it was closed this year and reopened after only 68 days, compared to 73 days in the previous years and 160 to 180 days in yesteryears.
From the first week of February, snow clearance operations were undertaken from both sides of the passes under the projects of Beacon and Vijayak, located in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, respectively. “The practice trial of vehicles was conducted successfully today, and after the inspection, the civil administration has taken the decision to open the road for civil traffic,” said the DGBR authority.
Likewise, the Razar pass, which is also the only road between the Gurez sector and the Kashmir valley, was also opened on Thursday after a closure of just 58 days. Several other important passes like Sadhna, Pharikiyan Gali, and Zamindar Gali were all kept open for the whole winter season. “The early opening of the Zojila and Razar passes will help to facilitate the supply of essential goods and services for the people of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.” Said Lieutenant-General Rajvee Chaudhry.
(Ashwini Sali)
