Sonamarg (Jammu and Kashmir), Apr 1: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) today reopened Zojila Pass in record time after just 32 days of closure.
Director General of BRO Lt. General Raghu Srinivasan and Ladakh MP Mohd Hanefa Jan flagged off the first convoy towards Ladakh.
BRO, known for its dedication and resilience, worked tirelessly to clear the massive snow accumulation on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, reconnecting Kargil and Leh.
"Braving extreme terrain and weather conditions, BRO once again reconnected Kargil and Leh by painstakingly clearing insurmountable snow walls at Zojila Pass on Srinagar Leh Highway today on 01 April. This marks one of the shortest winter closure for this vital route which serves as a lifeline for Ladakh. A shining example of perseverance, dedication and commitment of Team BRO," the BRO said in a post on X.
Zojila Pass is one of the most critical and high-altitude mountain passes that usually remains closed for several months during winter due to heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches.
This year, the pass was closed for 17 days from February 27 to March 16 due to intense snowfall caused by a Western Disturbance. The BRO personnel, braving sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and avalanche-prone terrain, managed to clear the snow in just 14 days (March 17 to March 30), setting a remarkable record.
To ensure all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India, the government is constructing the Zojila Tunnel which is set to be completed by 2028. The tunnel will not only reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km but also increase vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr.
It will also ensure seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh and boost defense logistics, economic growth, and cultural integration in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg which was built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore. This 12-km-long tunnel aims to improve connectivity and support tourism and trade in the region.
