Authorities halt heavy vehicular movement on Zojila Pass following snowfall

Ganderbal, Dec 03: The Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has issued a fresh advisory prohibiting the movement of heavy vehicles, specifically 12, 14, and 16-tyre trucks, on the Zojila Pass due to slippery road conditions caused by recent snowfall.
The advisory comes as the region recieved fresh snowfall, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and creating slippery road conditions on the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway near Zojila Pass.
According to sources, six-tyre vehicles, including light motor vehicles, are currently allowed to ply smoothly on the pass. However, the advisory has barred heavy vehicles—often referred to as “Trallas”—from traversing the Zojila axis to prevent potential accidents.
Several drivers stranded in Sonamarg stated that their loaded vehicles have been stationed there for days without permission to proceed towards Kargil and Leh.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh, confirmed the restrictions, emphasizing the importance of public safety. “We have issued a fresh advisory prohibiting the movement of 12, 14, and 16-tyre vehicles on Zojila Pass. The snowfall has made the road slippery, and this decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure,” he stated.
The SSP reiterated that only six-tyre vehicles and light motor vehicles would be allowed to travel on the Zojila Pass until further notice. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and updates will be provided as conditions improve, he said.