Ganderbal, Jan 06: The 434-kilometer-longstrategic Srinagar-Lehhighway, which connects the Ladakh region with Kashmir, has been closed for the winter season to minimise vehicle accidents caused by slick roads due to below-freezing temperatures.
Talking to reporters at Zero Point Zojila Pass, Chief Engineer Beacon Brigadier Saket Singh said that the Zojila Pass is located at an elevation of 11649 feet and serves as the lifeline between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
He said last year Zojila Pass remained open till January 3, this year again due to the concerted efforts of Project Beacon, the Zojila Pass remained open for the first time evertill 6th January.
He said the extended opening of Zojila pass was carried out by BRO for the first time in 2020 keeping in view the situation on the Northern borders and since then it has been continued in 2021 and 2022.
He added that the weather is likely to change from today and heavy snowfall is predicted for the next few days, so the Srinagar Ladakh highway will be closed for vehicular movement.
The officials revealed that the road has become very slippery, particularly at Zojila, Meenmarg, Zero-Point, India Gate and other places, where the mercury remained below minus during the night and sub zero during the day.The mercury would witness further drop during the coming winter days.
BRO has also completed successful trials of route guidance & navigation system technology for snow clearance equipment to enhance efficiency and safety while performing snow clearance operations.
“Project Beacon has ensured connectivity to strategic requirements of the Indian Army and survival requirements of the local population of UT of Ladakh,” he further stated.
Meanwhile,authorities across the Kashmir valley have geared up all resources to meet any challenge following prediction of moderate to heavy rain and snow in the UT.
The officials said that traffic police and local administration on both sides of the Zojila had made all efforts to clear vehicles to their respective destinations before closing it officially from today. The highway remains closed between Sonamarg to MeenmargDrass because of ten to 15 feet of snowfall during winter.
To mention, the highway remains closed from about four to five months every year.
