Strategic Watch: Zoji La Pass, lifeline of Ladakh and Gurez Valley, opened after just 68 days

In a remarkable feat, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the strategic 11,650 feet Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range on Thursday, just 68 days after it was closed for traffic on January 6.

Relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions were carried out at the pass which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that it remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears.

The snow clearance operations were undertaken from both sides of the pass by Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in J&K and Ladakh respectively, since the first week of February.

After sustained efforts, the connectivity across Zoji La Pass was initially established on March 11. Thereafter, efforts were made to improve the road conditions to create safe passage of vehicles.

Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley was also successfully reopened today after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout the winter season.

Speaking on the occasion, BRO Director General Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry commended the “Karamyogis” of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat.

“Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley,” he said.

The DGBR further said that the trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the civil administration after the conduct of joint inspection.