Ganderbal, Mar 15: Traffic on the Srinagar–Ladakh highway was halted again on Sunday after fresh snowfall occurred at Zojila Pass shortly after authorities had allowed vehicles to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil, officials said.
The temporary reopening came after the highway remained closed for six consecutive days due to heavy snowfall that had led to accumulation of snow along the Zojila axis.
Authorities had earlier launched snow clearance operations from both sides of the highway following an improvement in weather conditions.
The development had allowed traffic officials to briefly permit vehicular movement towards Ladakh.
According to traffic authorities, around 300 vehicles including passenger vehicles and Tata Mobile carriers loaded with vegetables were allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil.
A traffic police official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the convoy was allowed to depart from Sonamarg at around 10:30 a.m. after road clearance operations were completed on the stretch.
Officials said priority was given to passenger vehicles and vehicles transporting vegetables and other essential supplies to the Ladakh region.
However, traffic movement was halted again after fresh snowfall began at the Zojila Pass, making the road conditions unsafe for further travel.
The renewed snowfall prompted authorities to suspend vehicle movement as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents along the high-altitude mountain pass.
Officials said the situation was being closely monitored and traffic movement would resume only after the weather improves and the road is cleared again.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been engaged in snow clearance operations to keep the strategic highway operational.
The Srinagar–Ladakh highway remains a critical road link connecting Kashmir with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The route often faces disruptions during winter and early spring months due to heavy snowfall, avalanches and slippery road conditions at Zojila Pass.
Authorities advised travelers to check traffic advisories before planning journeys along the highway. (KNT)
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