The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reopened the Zoji La, which serves as a crucial lifeline for Ladakh via Srinagar, for vehicular traffic. This route has been reopened after remaining buried under snow for 35 days, as compared to 68 days last year.
This achievement highlights India’s increasing expertise in constructing mountain roads, which holds significant benefits for both border defense and the lives of people in the frontier region. The 439-km Srinagar-Leh road serves as the primary link connecting Ladakh to Jammu & Kashmir and plays a pivotal role in transporting troops and essential supplies in the frontier area.
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Located at an altitude of 11,540 ft, approximately 100 km from Srinagar, Zoji La pass used to remain closed for about 160-180 days during winter seasons in previous years. However, due to the government’s focus on enhancing border connectivity and the deployment of advanced machinery, the duration of closure has reduced in recent years.
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Despite facing intermittent traffic disruptions due to winter conditions, efforts have been made to reopen the pass swiftly whenever possible, such as the closure around December 23, which was quickly followed by its reopening. Similarly, on February 25, heavy snowfall led to the suspension of traffic, necessitated by a series of western disturbances.
The early restoration of traffic in the past few years has enabled a more organized rotation of troops deployed in the region, compared to the previous practice of rushing to deploy forces months earlier.
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This has been especially crucial following the Galwan border clashes with the Chinese army in May 2020. Furthermore, the reopening of the pass facilitates the transportation of civilian and essential supplies via road transport, thereby reducing the reliance on expensive air freight. It also offers a more economical travel option for residents returning home and guest workers, compared to the costly flights that become the sole means of travel during heavy snowfall and road closures.
The successful clearance of challenging mountain passes highlights BRO’s proficiency in snow-clearing operations. Reports further add that the government is now currently constructing a tunnel beneath Zoji La pass, which is expected to be completed soon. This thermal tunnel will significantly enhance defense preparedness, improve the quality of life for locals, and boost tourism in the region by ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.
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