BRO breaks record: Zoji La Pass on Srinagar-Leh highway stays open through winter
Relatively less snow in the mountains this winter season and relentless snow clearing operations by BRO are reasons being cited to keep the vital land route to Ladakh open
For the first time in history, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has kept the strategic Zoji La pass that connects the Ladakh region to the Kashmir Valley and thereon to the rest of the country, open through the winter.
Normally, the pass, located on the Srinagar-Leh national highway at an altitude of 11,500 ft, is one of the snowiest and most challenging stretches on the route during winters. It remains closed for vehicular traffic for several months due to heavy accumulation of snow, avalanches and extreme weather.
“History at the heights of Zojila!” BRO posted on its X handle on March 6. “For the first time ever, Zojila Pass has remained open beyond 28 February and continues to stay operational despite very heavy snowfall — testament to the relentless commitment of #BRO in keeping the lifeline between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley open,” the post read.
Relatively less snow in the mountains this winter season and relentless snow clearing operations by BRO are reasons being cited to keep the vital land route to Ladakh open for providing all weather connectivity even in peak winter, and also enabling construction of critical bridges in the northern sector.
According to BRO sources, any closure of the pass this season was only temporary as a result of ongoing snow spell or inclement weather, fall and the road was reopened as early as possible. The pass remains critical on the Srinagar-Leh highway till the 14.km long tunnel being constructed under the pass for all-weather connectivity becomes operational in early 2028.
BRO’s Project Vijayak based at Kargil and Project Beacon in Srinagar have been undertaking continuous snow clearing operations along the Srinagar-Leh national highway, including the strategic Zoji La pass, throughout winter. Normally the pass is re-opened in April.
“Mission-aligned and weather-defiant, #BRO’s Project VIJAYAK clears winter snow — enabling critical bridge construction in extreme high-altitude terrain,” BRO had earlier posted on X 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.
Similarly, on the eastern flank along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Project Himank kept the strategic roads and logistics tracks operational and ensured uninterrupted connectivity to forward troops at altitudes above 18,300 ft.
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. Zoji La, which translates to “mountain pass of blizzards”, is Ladakh’s lifeline. Frequent travellers to Ladakh have observed that even when other higher passes in that region are clear of snow, the quantum of snow at Zoji La is much more.
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. A third axis of approach has recently made function from traverses Manali the 16,500 ft high Shinku La pass and connects to the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kargil district
BRO is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and airfields in the country’s border regions including the northern sector, north-east and areas along the western frontier. Besides enhancing mobility and deployment of the Armed Forces, BRO projects also improve civilian connectivity and boost socio-economic development across remote border regions.
