The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has reopened the Zojila Pass after a closure of just 32 days, restoring vital connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of BRO, flagged off the first convoy toward Ladakh, marking the successful clearance of this critical route.
The Zojila Pass, situated at an elevation of 11,575 feet (3,528 meters), typically remains closed from late November to mid-April due to heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. This year, however, the pass experienced an unusually brief yet intense closure from February 27 to March 16, caused by relentless snowfall from a Western Disturbance.
BRO personnel, undeterred by sub-zero temperatures, high-velocity winds, and avalanche-prone terrain, cleared the accumulated snow in a record 15 days, between March 17 and March 31.
The reopening of the Zojila Pass holds immense strategic and socio-economic importance. It ensures the uninterrupted movement of military personnel and essential supplies, bolstering national security.
For the residents of Ladakh, the pass serves as a lifeline, facilitating trade, medical access, and daily economic activities. Historically, the pass remained closed for approximately six months annually, severely impacting the livelihoods and mobility of the local population.
The significant reduction in closure duration is attributed to technological advancements and improved snow-clearance techniques employed by BRO. These innovations have transformed the pass from a six-month closure period to just a few weeks, enhancing year-round accessibility.
Looking ahead, the government has initiated the construction of a 14-kilometer tunnel beneath the Zojila Pass, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. This project is expected to be completed by 2026, further enhancing the strategic and economic linkage between the regions.
BRO continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment through projects like Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh, ensuring timely restoration of connectivity on this strategic pass.
The successful reopening of the Zojila Pass underscores the organization’s dedication and the resilience of its personnel in overcoming formidable challenges to maintain crucial links in India’s infrastructure network.