Zoji La pass defies winter closure, BRO keeps Srinagar-Leh highway to Ladakh open

Relatively less snow in the mountains so far this winter season has enabled the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to keep the vital land route to Ladakh open for providing all weather connectivity even in peak winters, and also enabling construction of critical bridges in the northern sector.

BRO’s Project Vijayak based at Kargil has been undertaking relentless snow clearing operations along the Srinagar-Leh national highway, including the strategic Zoji La pass, which remains closed for several months due to heavy snow. Generally, the route is closed to vehicular traffic from December till April.

“Mission-aligned and weather-defiant, #BRO’s Project VIJAYAK clears winter snow — enabling critical bridge construction in extreme high-altitude terrain,” BRO posted on its X handle on January 14 along with a video showing men and machines working in snow bound terrain in Ladakh and an overview of a bridge in a forward area.

Yesterday, the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, was briefed by Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak at Zoji La Top on the importance of keeping the Zoji La Axis open, and the efforts being undertaken by Project Vijayak and Project Beacon, which is headquartered in Srinagar, in keeping vital connectivity open till as late as feasible despite sub-zero temperatures and harsh winter conditions.

Located at an altitude of 11,500 ft, Zoji La connects Ladakh with the Kashmir Valley and thereon to the rest of the country. It is one of the snowiest and most challenging stretches on the highway during winter.

According to reports, this year the pass has received comparatively less snowfall than usual though there is still significant snow accumulation, icy roads, occasional avalanches and high winds. The temperature during winters is minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Celsius. BRO sources said that the possibility of the road being closed due to heavy snow in the coming weeks cannot be ruled out.

An alternate route to Ladakh exists via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, but this route also has several high altitude passes reaching over 17,000 ft, which remain snow-bound during winters. When both routes are closed, movement of troops and supplies depend on airlift by the Indian Air Force.

Raised after the 1999 Kargil conflict, Project Vijayak covers roads and airfields in Kargil, Leh, Zanskar, western Shyok, Nubra and Siachen areas. Last month, six major infrastructure projects including for bridges and two upgraded roads executed by it in Ladakh, were inaugurated by the Defence Minister. These are aimed at significantly enhancing defence mobility, improving civilian connectivity and boosting socio-economic development across remote border regions.

Similarly, on the eastern flank along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Project Himank is keeping the strategic roads operational and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to forward troops at altitudes above 18,300 ft.