Srinagar, April 10 – Vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road has been officially suspended after fresh snowfall blanketed the Razdan Top, a high-altitude pass that serves as the critical gateway connecting the remote Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir. The decision, announced by local authorities, comes as a precautionary step aimed at safeguarding commuters from potential hazards associated with snow-laden roads and low visibility.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurez confirmed the development in a public statement shared through official channels. Citing continuous snowfall and deteriorating travel conditions at Razdan Top, the SDM emphasized that the road will remain closed until further notice. Officials said that weather and road conditions are being monitored closely and that any changes to the current status will be communicated promptly.
The announcement has triggered concern among local residents, especially in Gurez Valley, where road connectivity is crucial for access to medical, educational, and essential supplies. With the Razdan Top situated at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, it remains highly susceptible to early and late-season snowfalls, often impacting transportation for extended durations during winter and early spring.
Key Mountain Pass Becomes Inaccessible
Razdan Top, located on the Bandipora-Gurez axis, plays a pivotal role in maintaining lifelines to the remote border regions. The pass is typically prone to closures during the winter months, but occasional spring snowfall can also disrupt scheduled traffic movement, as witnessed this week.
Sources within the administration confirmed that snow accumulation in the area has made the road surface slippery and unsafe for travel. “We are taking no chances. The safety of travellers is the top priority. At this point, the road conditions do not permit any form of vehicular movement,” a senior traffic official in Bandipora stated.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department in Kashmir reported intermittent snowfall in higher reaches across north Kashmir. Though no major snowstorm was predicted, the localised weather event over Razdan Top has created significant disruptions.
Movement Advisory for Public and Travelers
The administration has advised locals and tourists to stay updated through official bulletins and refrain from attempting any travel along the affected route. Road clearance and weather review operations are underway, but officials stressed that any reopening would depend on the cessation of snowfall and successful snow clearance.
In a follow-up, SDM Gurez requested that residents avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with local authorities. Emergency service providers and critical personnel have been advised to exercise caution and maintain communication with district-level control rooms.
The Bandipora–Gurez road is not only a vital link for civilian movement but also a strategically important corridor for the movement of goods and services, especially in this frontier region close to the Line of Control (LoC).
Implications for Connectivity and Local Life
For thousands of residents living in Gurez and surrounding villages such as Tulail, Kanzalwan, and Dawar, the Bandipora–Gurez road acts as the only all-weather connection to the rest of Kashmir, particularly when air services are unavailable due to bad weather. Closure of the road significantly affects the delivery of essential commodities, including fuel, food supplies, and medical equipment.
Locals often stockpile essential items in anticipation of such disruptions, but an unexpected snowfall in April can catch many off-guard, especially small shopkeepers and farmers who rely on timely supplies for agricultural and livestock needs.
Shopian resident Abdul Hameed, who was on his way to visit relatives in Gurez, said he had to return midway after being stopped by police personnel. “I was told that snow has covered the pass and no vehicles are allowed beyond the checkpoint. We understand it is for our safety, but it does make life harder in these remote areas,” he said.
Coordination Between Departments
District authorities in Bandipora have confirmed that coordination between the Public Works Department (PWD), Beacon authorities, and local police is underway to evaluate the depth of snow and plan possible road clearance operations. However, any mechanical intervention will only begin once the snowfall ceases.
“The road needs to be assessed for avalanche risk as well. We will not rush to open it without full clearance and safety assessments,” said a senior PWD engineer deployed in the area.
Past experiences have shown that early road openings during spring without thorough snow and avalanche clearance have resulted in accidents, reinforcing the need for a cautious and data-backed approach.
Tourists Urged to Reroute Plans
Tourists, many of whom have shown increasing interest in visiting the scenic Gurez Valley over recent years, have also been advised to alter travel plans. Local tour operators say they’ve had to cancel or postpone several bookings after the closure announcement. “We’ve had to reroute or refund many clients. The valley is beautiful this time of year, but access is always weather-dependent,” said a travel agency manager in Srinagar.
Gurez Still Waiting for All-Weather Tunnel
The repeated closures of the Razdan Top route have reignited demands for a long-pending all-weather tunnel project that would provide year-round connectivity to the Gurez Valley. Various delegations and public representatives have been urging the government to expedite feasibility studies and sanction construction at the earliest.
Despite the strategic and civilian importance of the region, the proposed tunnel has not seen much movement in recent years beyond initial surveys. Residents argue that without the tunnel, Gurez will remain perennially vulnerable to seasonal isolation.
“Every year, whether it is late snowfall or early blizzards, we get cut off. It’s like living in forced hibernation. We need that tunnel now more than ever,” said a school teacher from Tulail, requesting anonymity.
Road Monitoring Will Continue
As per district officials, continuous monitoring of the road and weather patterns will guide the decision on reopening. The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has also been alerted to conduct assessments if snow depth exceeds critical limits.
In the meantime, control rooms have been activated in both Bandipora and Gurez subdivisions to assist stranded individuals and ensure the timely supply of basic services to border areas through alternative means where feasible.
The suspension of traffic on the Bandipora–Gurez road due to snowfall at Razdan Top underscores the vulnerability of high-altitude transport corridors in Kashmir. While the decision prioritizes commuter safety, it also highlights the urgent need for long-term infrastructure solutions, including the long-awaited all-weather tunnel project. Until then, seasonal closures will continue to impact life in Gurez Valley, reiterating the delicate balance between nature and connectivity in the region.
