The Srinagar-Kargil highway reopened for one-way traffic on Tuesday after remaining closed for thirteen days due to huge accumulation of snow.
SDM Drass, Asgar Ali told Greater Kashmir that after remaining closed for about thirteen days, the Srinagar-Kargil highway was reopened for one way traffic on Tuesday.
He said that some stranded vehicles including army and passenger vehicles were allowed to move towards Kargil on Tuesday afternoon and once they cross Minamarg area the stranded vehicles from Drass side will be allowed to move towards Srinagar.
A BRO official told Greater Kashmir that though the road was connected after snow clearance, “the continuous speedy winds were causing trouble”.
“Our men and machinery has been continuously working under sub zero temperatures and braving all the harsh weather conditions to keep it open for traffic,” the official said.
Meanwhile, SDM Drass, SHO police station Drass Manzoor Ahmed, SHO police station Sonamarg Lateef Ali, traffic police and BRO officials were monitoring the traffic movement on the highway till late evening.
Pertinently, the Srinagar-Kargil highway usually remains closed during winter months as the Zojila pass and Drass areas receive heavy snowfall. However, this year the UT administrations of Ladakh and J&K decided to keep it open for maximum possible time.
Meanwhile, a traffic advisory issued today said that subject to fair weather and good road condition, “only one-way traffic from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road on Wednesday”.
Vehicles may carry anti skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road, it said.