The Border Roads Organization (BRO) on March 16, 2023 opened the strategic Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range of Kamyogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak to achieve this feat in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Photo Credit: ANI
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) on Thursday opened the strategic Zojila Pass located on the Greater Himalayan Range at an altitude of 11,650 feet, which serves as a gateway between the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
It remained closed for only 68 days this year as against 73 days last year and 160-180 days last year.
“From the first week of February, snow-clearing operations were carried out on both sides of the pass at Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh respectively,” said a Defense Ministry statement. “After sustained efforts, contact was established through Zojila Pass initially on March 11. Thereafter, efforts were made to improve the condition of the roads to make the passage safe for vehicles.”
Similarly, Razdan Pass, which provides the only road link between Gurez sector and Kashmir Valley, has also been successfully reopened on Thursday after a gap of only 58 days, the statement said. Other important passes include And Zamindar Gali is kept open throughout the winter season.
“The early opening of Zojila and Razdan passes will enhance the supply of essential goods and services to the people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley,” said BRO Director General Lt Gen Rajeev Choudhary.
He further said that the vehicles have been successfully tested and the decision to open the road for civilian traffic will be taken by the civil administration after a joint inspection.