Srinagar-Leh highway reopens

Srinagar: The 434-Km Srinagar-Leh highway, connecting Kashmir valley with Ladakh region, was thrown open for traffic today after remaining closed for almost four months, a defence spokesperson said.

The Srinagar-Leh highway was opened for traffic today by Lt Gen A K Bhatt, General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps along with other officials, the spokesperson said. Zojila Pass, connects the picturesque Kashmir valley with the cold desert of Indus valley through the 434 km long Srinagar-Leh road, was closed on December 11 last year.

The summer snow clearance operation, started on Feb 21, was undertaken by Project Vijayak and Beacon, the official said. “Dozers, JCBs, wheel loaders, snow cutters and other resources were deployed by the teams for completing the herculean task in shortest possible time,” he said, adding that the highway has been opened well before the normal time this year.

The spokesperson said that the snow clearance team, with the help of local labourers, performed the tough job using various navigational aids and natural skills. “Snow clearance operations for opening of Zojila are a big challenge owing to large snow accumulation of 30-40 feet, threat of avalanches and inclement weather conditions,” he added.