Srinagar-Leh highway reopens for one-way freight movement

Ganderbal, Apr 11: After remaining closed for nearly one and a half months due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risk, the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway has finally been reopened for one-way movement of freight vehicles.
The vital route, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Union Territory of Ladakh, was reopened on Friday to facilitate the movement of stranded goods trucks.
Authorities allowed freight vehicles stranded at Sonamarg to proceed towards Kargil. However, strict regulations were enforced to ensure road safety and protect the fragile mountain highway. Overloaded trucks were stopped and denied passage.
According to officials from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), freight carriers are allowed to transport a maximum of 18,700 kilograms. “Even a single kilogram beyond the limit—i.e., 18,800 kg—attracts a penalty,” an MVD official stated. The department emphasized that no overloaded vehicle would be allowed to ply on the route under any circumstances.
Authorities are monitoring the road condition and have urged transporters to strictly follow the weight guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure smooth movement.