Leh, Mar 29: Fresh snowfall at the strategic Zojila Pass on Sunday led to the suspension of vehicular movement along the Srinagar–Leh National Highway, with authorities halting traffic citing hazardous conditions and the risk of avalanches.
Officials said persistent snowfall across the Zojila axis, as well as in Drass and Sonamarg, caused a rapid deterioration in road conditions, marked by slippery stretches, low visibility, and accumulation of snow. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which maintains the corridor, issued a red signal, effectively closing the pass to all movement.
“There shall be no vehicular movement on the Zojila axis,” a BRO official said, informing stranded passengers and drivers awaiting clearance at Minamarg.
Authorities on both sides of the pass confirmed that no traffic was permitted to proceed towards Zojila under the prevailing conditions. Vehicles that had already reached Minamarg were directed to return to Drass, while movement from the Sonamarg side was also suspended to minimise risk to commuters.
The decision followed an intensification of snowfall through the morning hours, raising concerns over possible avalanche activity along vulnerable stretches of the highway. Officials indicated that the combination of fresh snow deposits and unstable slopes posed a direct threat to safe passage.
A tourist stranded at Sonamarg said the suspension of traffic after 10 am was a necessary measure. “Conditions turned increasingly precarious with continuous snowfall and the threat of avalanches. It was not safe to proceed,” the tourist said.
Zojila Pass, situated at a high altitude, serves as a vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh and remains prone to abrupt weather fluctuations, particularly during the transition from winter to spring.
Officials said restoration of traffic would depend on an improvement in weather conditions and subsequent snow clearance operations. Road maintenance teams are expected to assess the situation before any decision is taken on reopening the axis.
