Fresh Snowfall at Razdhan Pass Disrupts Traffic on Bandipora–Gurez Road
Bandipora, March 10, KNT: Fresh snowfall was recorded at Razdhan Pass and parts of Tulail Valley on Tuesday morning, bringing a renewed spell of winter to the higher reaches of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and disrupting traffic movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road.
Officials said Razdhan Pass, located along the nearly 85-kilometre Bandipora–Gurez road that serves as the main link between Gurez and the rest of the district, witnessed heavy snowfall since early morning.
The fresh snowfall affected vehicular movement at the pass and in several upper areas of Tulail Valley, prompting authorities to suspend traffic on the route as a precautionary measure.
While the higher reaches experienced snowfall, rainfall was reported in the plains, contributing to a drop in temperature and chilly conditions across the region.
Officials said the decision to suspend vehicular movement was taken in view of the weather forecast predicting further rain and snowfall in the area.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad said the Bandipora–Gurez road will remain closed until further orders to ensure the safety of commuters.
He said authorities were monitoring the weather conditions and the situation would be reviewed before allowing traffic movement on the route.
Razdhan Pass remains one of the most weather-sensitive points along the Bandipora–Gurez road and often receives heavy snowfall during winter.
Due to heavy accumulation of snow at the pass and surrounding areas, the road usually remains closed for three to four months every winter, cutting off Gurez Valley from the district headquarters.
The temporary closure of the road often affects the movement of supplies and transport, while inhabitants of the remote valley rely on stored essentials and limited connectivity during harsh winter months. [KNT]
