Srinagar, Dec 30: The Srinagar-Ladakh Highway, connecting Kashmir to the Union Territory of Ladakh, has been reopened for one-way passenger traffic following days of closure caused by heavy snowfall.
“On Monday, approximately 100 stranded vehicles were allowed to travel from Sonamarg to Kargil between 10 am and 3 pm under carefully monitored conditions.”
The highway had been shut on Friday after a snowfall rendered the route hazardous, leaving hundreds of goods and passenger vehicles stranded on the Srinagar-Sonamarg stretch.
The Border Road Organization swiftly initiated snow clearance operations, completing the arduous task of clearing the Drass and Sonamarg sections by Sunday evening as the weather improved.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir RP Singh, confirmed to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, that the decision to reopen the highway was taken after receiving clearance from the Beacon Unit overseeing road safety. “Following a thorough assessment, 100 passenger vehicles were sent from Sonamarg to Kargil today,” he said.
To ensure safe travel, drivers were instructed to equip their vehicles with anti-skid chains, especially in the treacherous sections of Zojila Pass and Shatani Nallah, where snow and ice had created slippery conditions. “Vehicles not fitted with these chains were prohibited from proceeding,” SSP said.
“Our priority is the safety of passengers and drivers. These precautions are essential to prevent accidents,” SSP added.
He further said that if weather conditions remain stable, authorities plan to allow one-way traffic from Kargil to Srinagar on Tuesday.
