Zojila Pass connecting Kashmir with Ladakh opened in record 68 days

Zojila Pass, a critical high-altitude pass in the Himalayas, connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, was opened in a record 68 days after heavy snowfall closed it in January. Here are some key points to know about this achievement:

Zojila Pass is situated at an elevation of 3,528 meters and is a vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh. It is usually closed from October or November until April or May due to heavy snowfall.
In 2021, the pass remained closed for 110 days, while this year it was closed for 73 days. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been breaking its own records for the past three years in opening the pass earlier than usual.
The BRO director general, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary, announced that they were able to open the pass in a record 68 days, despite facing the highest snowfall in the last five years.
The BRO has been focusing on infrastructure and augmenting connectivity to the northern borders with a strategic requirement of minimizing the closure during winters.
To keep the pass open for traffic until January 6, the BRO initiated measures to ensure the opening, and almost 13,500 vehicles crossed the pass between the end of November 2022 and January 6, 2023.
Dry weather in the first week of February helped accelerate snow clearance, and widening of the road surface was carried out. Trial convoys of vehicles passed through the Zojila Pass on March 16, ensuring it remained closed for only 68 days.
Razdan Pass, which provides the only road connectivity between Gurez and Kashmir, was reopened after 58 days, while other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali, and Zamindar Gali remained open throughout the winter.
The early opening of Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate the augmentation of the supply of essential goods and services for the people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley.
The decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the civil administration after a successful trial movement across the Zojila Pass.

The BRO’s achievement in opening the Zojila Pass in a record 68 days demonstrates their dedication and commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure in challenging Himalayan terrain.