Srinagar–Ladakh Highway Shut for Second Day, 500 Vehicles Stranded in Sonamarg
Ganderbal, April 18, KNT: The Srinagar–Ladakh highway remained closed for the second consecutive day on Saturday, leaving hundreds of passenger and goods vehicles stranded in Sonamarg and Minimarg amid fresh snowfall and avalanche threats.
The closure follows heavy rainfall in the plains of Kashmir Valley and fresh snowfall in Zojila, Minimarg, and Gumri, as forecast by the Meteorological Department.
The disruption has halted movement along the strategic highway, with officials citing safety concerns due to slippery road conditions and multiple avalanche occurrences in the Zojila sector.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Chaudhary Liaqat Ali told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that snowfall in Gumri and Zojila forced authorities to suspend traffic as a precautionary measure.
Zojila Pass | Key Facts
Zojila Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the Srinagar–Leh highway (NH-1), connecting Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region. It lies at an elevation of around 11,500 feet and is one of the most critical and challenging routes in the Himalayas.
The pass serves as a strategic and economic lifeline, enabling the movement of civilians, goods, and military supplies between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Zojila is highly prone to extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides, which frequently disrupt traffic, especially during winter and early spring.
Due to its narrow stretches and steep gradients, vehicular movement through the pass requires strict regulation, often controlled by traffic authorities and dependent on weather conditions and road clearance by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The pass typically remains closed for several months during winter, reopening only after extensive snow clearance operations, making it one of the most weather-sensitive road links in the region.
“Avalanches have occurred at several locations in Zojila following fresh snowfall. In view of unfavorable weather conditions, no vehicles will be allowed to ply on the highway,” he said.
He added that the Meteorological Department has forecast continued adverse weather on Saturday, necessitating continued restrictions on vehicular movement.
The highway will be reopened only after improvement in weather conditions and clearance from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is responsible for maintaining and restoring the route.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that around 500 vehicles remain stranded in Sonamarg, with passengers facing delays due to the ongoing closure.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of the Srinagar–Leh highway to sudden weather changes, particularly during spring when fresh snowfall and avalanches frequently disrupt connectivity.
The Meteorological Department has forecast an improvement in weather conditions across the Kashmir Valley from April 19, raising expectations for gradual restoration of traffic on the highway. [KNT]
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