Ganderbal, March 31 — After more than two weeks of closure triggered by heavy snowfall and avalanches, the 425-kilometre-long Srinagar-Leh National Highway has been partially reopened to facilitate the movement of essential commodities into the Union Territory of Ladakh. The route, which serves as a vital supply link between Kashmir and Ladakh, was made operational on Sunday, though passenger movement remains restricted due to precarious road conditions.
Heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass, a treacherous stretch situated at over 11,500 feet, had brought vehicular movement to a complete halt, cutting off Ladakh from Kashmir. The road, often described as Ladakh’s economic lifeline, had remained shut since early March, severely impacting the flow of supplies and causing distress among the region’s population, especially with the onset of Ramadhan and the approach of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Intensive Efforts by BRO Bear Fruit
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Vijayak and Project Beacon, was at the forefront of snow clearance operations. Despite facing adverse weather conditions and repeated avalanches that undid much of the earlier progress, BRO teams worked around the clock using heavy snow-clearing machinery to restore the route.
Sources within the BRO confirmed that machinery had been deployed non-stop since mid-March. Snowfall exceeding several feet in depth had made the task hazardous, especially in narrow stretches prone to landslides and fresh snow build-up. However, after persistent efforts, the BRO was able to connect the highway and initiate one-way traffic movement from Sonamarg to Kargil on Sunday.
Goods Movement Begins, Passenger Travel Still Suspended
An official stationed at Sonamarg told Samachar Post that only vehicles transporting essential commodities were permitted to move toward Kargil. At least 300 trucks loaded with food supplies, fuel, and medical essentials were given clearance on Sunday, easing the pressure on Ladakh’s already strained supply chains.
According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass, Dr Vishal Atri, the reopening was essential to address the shortage of daily-use items in Kargil. However, he clarified that the road remains unsafe for light motor vehicles and passenger traffic due to residual snow, slippery patches, and high avalanche risk.
Despite the partial reopening, hundreds of stranded passengers protested at Sonamarg on Sunday, demanding permission to cross into Ladakh. They argued that many were stuck for over two weeks without shelter or adequate facilities. However, local authorities reiterated that the decision to permit passenger vehicles would depend on further clearance and weather stability.
“We understand the frustration, but safety cannot be compromised,” said a senior traffic official at the site. “Right now, only essential services are prioritized. Once the road is fully stabilized, we will consider allowing civilian movement.”
Acknowledgment of Restoration Efforts
Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, lauded the BRO teams for their efforts. “Kudos to Project Vijayak, Project Beacon, and all workers involved in reopening the highway. Their commitment and resilience are commendable,” Akhoon said.
He also emphasized the significance of the reopening during Ramadhan, noting that the road access would ensure food and fuel security across Kargil and surrounding areas during the religious season.
Local residents also echoed appreciation for the workers on the ground, who reportedly faced sub-zero temperatures and worked through frequent snowstorms to expedite the clearance.
Reopening Crucial Ahead of Eid and Tourist Season
The partial resumption of traffic assumes special importance in view of the approaching Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Kargil, which heavily depends on supplies from the Kashmir Valley, had witnessed depleted stocks of perishable items, ration, and medicines over the past two weeks. With Sunday’s movement of trucks, there is cautious optimism that things will return to normal before the festive period.
Moreover, the Srinagar-Leh highway is a critical artery for the upcoming tourist season, particularly for those visiting Ladakh by road between April and October. Though still closed for tourists and regular traffic, transport operators and travel agencies are hopeful that with improved weather, the road could be opened fully by mid-April, depending on assessments from meteorological and disaster response teams.
However, BRO engineers have warned that continued vigilance is needed. “We are not out of danger yet,” said a senior officer from Project Beacon. “Avalanche threats remain, especially in early morning hours. Routine maintenance and additional clearance operations are ongoing to widen the road and secure loose debris.”
Winter Isolation Highlights Need for Permanent Connectivity
The latest shutdown has once again underlined the vulnerability of Ladakh’s road connectivity during winter months. The Union Territory remains cut off for extended periods every year due to snow-bound passes like Zojila and Fotula. While air travel offers limited access to Leh, high fares and poor frequency make it unreliable, particularly for residents of Kargil and remote areas.
Several political leaders and civil society groups have renewed calls for accelerating construction of the Zojila Tunnel, a long-awaited project that promises all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. Though the tunnel work is in progress, the project has witnessed delays due to weather, terrain challenges, and logistical hurdles.
Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel is expected to cut travel time drastically and allow uninterrupted movement throughout the year. “This highway crisis underlines how crucial that tunnel is—not just for convenience, but for survival,” said a resident of Drass who had been awaiting a medical consignment.
Administrative Measures and Road Ahead
District administrations in Ganderbal, Drass, and Kargil have set up monitoring checkpoints along the highway to manage traffic and respond quickly to any emergency. Snow and avalanche control teams have been placed on alert, while satellite phones and emergency shelters are being maintained at strategic locations.
Traffic authorities are working in tandem with weather departments to decide on further relaxations. If conditions improve in the coming days, light vehicles may be allowed under convoy supervision, though authorities are keen to avoid any repeat of previous incidents where early relaxation led to road blockages and accidents.
BRO has advised all commuters, including truckers, to check real-time road status before starting their journey and avoid unnecessary halts at vulnerable spots.
The partial reopening of the Srinagar-Leh Highway offers much-needed relief to the residents of Ladakh, especially those in Kargil who faced acute shortages during the closure. While the restoration of goods transport marks progress, the road remains inadequate for passenger vehicles due to lingering safety risks. As authorities monitor weather patterns and conduct further assessments, the focus remains on full-scale reopening at the earliest possible date, while ensuring safety of commuters. The current situation also reiterates the long-term necessity for all-weather infrastructure, which alone can ensure sustainable connectivity for this strategically vital region.
