Ganderbal, Apr 27 : The 434 km Strategic Srinagar Leh highway connecting Ladakh region with Kashmir, was on Thursday reopened for passenger vehicles from Sonamarg Side after remaining closed for 11 consecutive days due to heavy snowfall and avalanches triggered by inclement weather.
The highway was closed on 16 April for vehicular traffic after the high altitude areas of Kashmir, including Sonamarg,Zojila Pass,Meenmarg,Zero Point and other parts along the Road received heavy snowfall and Avalanches particularly at ShaitaniNallah and other adjacent places.
Officials said that Srinagar Leh highway was thrown open for passenger vehicles from Sonamarg on Thursday around 5:30 Pm.
“BRO and Project Vijayak authorities managing the highway had launched a massive snow clearance operation from Drass (on Kargil) and Sonamarg (on valley side) simultaneously”, officials said.
However, they said the road was slippery due to the frozen surface following minus temperature during the night.
A traffic police official said that only stranded passenger vehicles at Sonamarg were allowed to move towards Kargil.
