The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that the Gurez Valley gets cut off from the rest of the Union Territory during winter due to heavy snowfall at Razdan Pass, but clarified that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) ensures prompt snow clearance to restore connectivity.
In a reply to a question tabled by Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA, the Public Works (R&B) Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated that the road has remained closed for a maximum of 58 days in 2022–23, contrary to claims that the area remains cut off for about six months.
The government also acknowledged that Bandipora district is strategically sensitive and important, given its location and terrain.
On the issue of upgrading the Sumbal-Gurez road and declaring it a National Highway, the government said, “The Government of J&K has requested the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for declaration as NH. MoRTH has advised coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs for strategic road designation, after which funding and construction can be examined—(KNO)
