Kargil, Mar 07: In an unprecedented development, the high-altitude Zojila Pass has remained open beyond February 28 for the first time on record, altering the long-standing winter closure pattern along the strategic corridor connecting Kargil with Srinagar.
For the first time in history, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has kept the strategic Zoji La Pass, which connects the Ladakh region with the Kashmir Valley and further to the rest of the country, open through the winter months.
Normally, the pass, located on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway at an altitude of about 11,500 feet, is among the snowiest and most challenging stretches along the route during winter. It usually remains closed for vehicular traffic for several months due to heavy snow accumulation, avalanches and extreme weather conditions.
“History at the heights of Zojila!” the BRO posted on its X handle on March 6. “For the first time ever, Zojila Pass has remained open beyond February 28 and continues to stay operational despite very heavy snowfall — a testament to the relentless commitment of BRO in keeping the lifeline between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley open,” the post said.
Relatively lower snowfall in the mountains this winter and continuous snow-clearing operations by the BRO are being cited as reasons behind the road remaining open. The development has ensured continued surface connectivity to Ladakh during peak winter and has also facilitated the construction of critical bridges in the northern sector.
According to BRO sources, any closure of the pass this season has been temporary, occurring only during intense snowfall or adverse weather conditions. The road was reopened at the earliest possible time after such interruptions.
The pass continues to hold strategic importance on the Srinagar–Leh highway until the 14-km-long tunnel currently being constructed beneath the pass for all-weather connectivity becomes operational, which is expected in early 2028.
BRO’s Project Vijayak, based in Kargil, and Project Beacon in Srinagar have been carrying out continuous snow-clearance operations along the Srinagar–Leh highway, including the strategic Zoji La Pass, throughout the winter season. Traditionally, the pass is reopened for regular traffic in April.
“Mission-aligned and weather-defiant, BRO’s Project Vijayak clears winter snow — enabling critical bridge construction in extreme high-altitude terrain,” the BRO had earlier posted on X, along with a video showing personnel and heavy machinery operating in snow-bound terrain in Ladakh and visuals of a bridge under construction in a forward area.
Similarly, along the eastern flank near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Project Himank has kept strategic roads and logistics tracks operational, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to forward troops at altitudes above 18,300 feet.
According to reports, the pass has received comparatively less snowfall than usual this winter, though substantial snow accumulation, icy road conditions, occasional avalanches and strong winds continue to pose challenges. Winter temperatures in the area typically range between minus 10 and minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Zoji La, which translates to “mountain pass of blizzards,” is widely regarded as Ladakh’s lifeline. Frequent travellers to Ladakh often note that even when higher passes in the region are relatively clear, snow accumulation at Zoji La tends to remain heavier.
An alternate route to Ladakh exists via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, but this route also crosses several high-altitude passes rising above 17,000 feet and remains snow-bound during winter. When both routes are closed, movement of troops and essential supplies relies largely on airlift operations by the Indian Air Force.
A third axis of approach has recently become functional through the 16,500-foot-high Shinku La Pass, linking Manali with the Srinagar–Leh highway in Kargil district.
The BRO is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and airfields in the country’s border regions, including the northern sector, the northeast and areas along the western frontier. Apart from strengthening the mobility and operational capability of the Armed Forces, BRO projects also enhance civilian connectivity and support socio-economic development in remote border areas.
