Srinagar-Leh highway sets record by staying open in Jan

Jan 04, 2025

SRINAGAR: The strategic Srinagar-Leh highway remained open for traffic during January, despite the Zojila Pass experiencing snowfall and extreme temperatures ranging between minus 20 to minus 26 degrees Celsius.

This remarkable milestone is being attributed to the relentless efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Project Vijayak, and the Traffic Rural authorities.

According to top sources, the collaborative efforts of the BRO and traffic personnel have ensured the highway's accessibility this winter, marking a significant achievement. Historically, the highway was closed for several months during harsh winters, often isolating the Ladakh region from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.

In January 2017, the highway was closed following heavy snowfall across key points such as Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Drass, and Meenmarg, only reopening in May. However, recent years have seen significant improvements.

In 2022, the road remained open until December, while in 2023, it was closed for just one month. Last year, the highway was closed for only two months, signaling a trend toward improved winter connectivity.

This year's success reflects a historic milestone, as the highway continues to be operational, a feat celebrated by commuters and locals alike.