Kargil, Mar 24: Vehicular movement across the Zojila axis resumed on Monday after authorities completed snow clearance operations, enabling nearly 500 vehicles carrying around 5,000 passengers to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil.
Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) confirmed that the high-altitude stretch had been cleared of accumulated snow, restoring connectivity along a corridor that remains vulnerable to prolonged winter closures due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.
The resumption of traffic followed days of disruption caused by fresh snowfall and a series of avalanches along the Zojila pass, which had rendered the Srinagar–Ladakh highway impassable over the weekend. Hundreds of vehicles and thousands of passengers were stranded at the Sonamarg Traffic Control Point, awaiting clearance.
Authorities allowed movement in a regulated manner after declaring the route fit for travel. The transit was carried out under close supervision to ensure safety along the snow-cleared passage, particularly across avalanche-prone stretches.
A senior official associated with BRO’s Project Vijayak stated that snow clearance operations were undertaken on a war footing despite persistent challenges. He noted that multiple avalanche zones had witnessed heavy accumulation, slowing the process of making the road traffic-worthy.
“The operation faced delays due to fresh avalanches at several high-altitude points. However, men and machinery were deployed at full capacity, and with improved weather conditions, the route was eventually declared open,” the official said.
The Zojila axis serves as a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and the Kargil region, facilitating the movement of essential supplies as well as civilian traffic. Its reopening is expected to ease logistical constraints that had emerged due to the temporary closure.
Officials indicated that continuous monitoring of weather patterns and road conditions would remain in place, given the unpredictable nature of high-altitude terrain. Traffic authorities have advised commuters to adhere strictly to guidelines and remain updated with official advisories before undertaking travel.
The recent disruption once again highlighted the vulnerability of the Srinagar–Leh highway during this period, when sudden weather fluctuations frequently trigger avalanches and road blockages, posing operational challenges for maintenance agencies.
With traffic now restored, movement between Sonamarg and Kargil is expected to stabilise in the coming days, subject to favourable weather conditions.
