Srinagar, March 19, KNT: Fresh snowfall across the Zojila axis, including Minimarg, Drass and Gumri, has led to the closure of the Srinagar–Kargil highway for vehicular traffic, officials said on Thursday.
Authorities suspended traffic movement after continuous snowfall rendered the road unsafe, with accumulation reported along multiple stretches of the high-altitude route.
Snowfall is currently ongoing across the entire Zojila corridor, including Minimarg, Drass, Gumri and adjoining areas, significantly reducing visibility and making road conditions hazardous.
The closure has disrupted connectivity between Kashmir and the Kargil region, with officials advising commuters to avoid travel until weather conditions improve.
“The highway has been closed due to continuous snowfall across the Zojila sector, making the road unsafe for traffic,” an official said.
Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure in view of slippery road surfaces and the risk of avalanches in vulnerable stretches.
Road maintenance agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation, are monitoring the situation and are expected to begin snow clearance operations once the snowfall subsides.
Locals in the region said snowfall has intensified since morning across all major points along the route.
“It is snowing everywhere—Minimarg, Drass, Gumri and Zojila. The entire stretch is covered,” a local resident said.
The Srinagar–Kargil highway is a vital link to Ladakh and remains prone to frequent disruptions during adverse weather, especially in winter-like conditions at high-altitude passes.
Officials said restoration of traffic will depend on improvement in weather and successful clearance of accumulated snow along the highway. [KNT]
