The pass normally closes by November end every year, with the onset of winters, when the temperatures dip to sub zero levels and re-opens only by mid-April.
Zojila: The strategic Srinagar-Leh Highway restored for traffic in a record time of 73 days was thrown open for trial basis on Saturday. Director General, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Lt General Rajeev Chaudhary flagged off the trial convoy from zero point Zojila in a ceremony held here that was attended by the officials of BRO, Civil and Police administration.
The highway that is considered to be the lifeline for Ladakh and strategically important remains closed for traffic movement during winter months.
However, the highway was kept open till January 5 this year, for the maximum period despite harsh winters, to ensure connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir.
The pass normally closes by November end every year, with the onset of winters, when the temperatures dip to sub zero levels and re-opens only by mid-April. Average closure of pass in earlier years has been 135 days.
The renewed focus on infrastructure development of border areas, mandated the requirement of keeping the closure of Zojila Pass to the minimum. The Zojila Pass was kept open till January 4, 2022 and snow clearance operations recommenced on February 15, 2022 by Projects Beacon and Vijayak of the BRO.
Speaking on the occasion, DG BRO, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary commended the officials of Project Beacon and Vijayak in achieving this feat.
He said now that the road is open, it will help supply defence equipment, weapons and other logistics to the troops deployed in Ladakh.
