Leh highway thrown open to traffic

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 30

The Srinagar-Leh national highway, the only road connecting the Kashmir valley with the frontier region of Ladakh, was thrown open to traffic today after remaining closed for about four months due to heavy snowfall during winter.

The highway was thrown open to traffic by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua, who said the highway remained open for an extended period in the last season as there was less snow. It was closed on December 29 last year. The function was attended by senior officials from the civil administration, police, Army and the BRO.

Last year, the national highway was opened to traffic on May 13.

The snow-clearance operations by the Border Roads Organisation on the road riddled with mighty avalanches of average height of snow accumulation of around 50 ft commenced on February 24. Although, the road was cleared by March 16, fresh snowfall later that month again rendered it unmotorable.

The strategic highway passes through the 11,516-ft-high Zojila Pass which lies on the lower depressions of the Himalayan ranges.

Lt Gen Dua complimented the Border Roads personnel from Project BEACON and VIJAYAK on timely opening of the road, braving adverse weather conditions in extremely difficult and risky terrain.

He made special mention of locals whose support helped immensely in the colossal engineering effort.

Five snow-cutters were collectively deployed in addition to seven dozers and four JCBs. This was followed up by trials to assess suitability for the movement of light and heavy vehicles.

Reiterating the strategic and economic importance of the highway, Lt General Dua said, “Having a throughout-the-year open road is very advantageous for the people and for the forces.”

“The stocking, which has to be done by the civilians of Ladakh for winter or even the forces, that will not be needed as the road will then remain open throughout the year,” he said.

The Army Commander said the two tunnels to be constructed on the road would help keep the highway open throughout the year.

The work on the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh Tunnel from Gagangir has started. The contract for the other 14-km-long Zojila tunnel will be finalised soon.