The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Srinagar-Kargil road is still blocked due to snow accumulation. After the recent snowfall, there is a lot of snow accumulation on the road, especially on Zojila Pass.

About Kargil-Zanskar road, District Police Kargil has said that subject to fair weather and good road conditions/road clearance, only one-way traffic for all types of vehicles with anti-skid chains shall be allowed from Zanskar towards Kargil.

Police in its advisory have said that due to frost conditions and apprehensions of avalanches, especially in the afternoon, all passengers are advised to travel in the morning. Moreover, no vehicle shall be allowed to pass the Penzila axis without anti-skid chains.

JAMMU — The Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a vital airlift operation on Monday, rescuing a total of 260 stranded passengers across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The initiative, known as the "Kargil Courier," has emerged as a crucial lifeline for travellers in the region, having already facilitated the rescue of 1,551 individuals since its launch on January 22.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the Kargil Courier service, operated by the AN-32 aircraft, has become indispensable, particularly following the closure of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway due to heavy snowfall.

The service operates three days a week between Jammu and Srinagar, and twice a week between Srinagar and Kargil, ensuring connectivity despite challenging weather conditions.

Highlighting the latest developments, the official reported that on Monday, a total of 113 passengers were airlifted from Srinagar to Kargil, while an additional 93 were rescued from Jammu to Kargil. Additionally, 38 passengers were transported from Kargil to Srinagar, and 16 from Kargil to Jammu in separate aircraft.

SRINAGAR — The crucial Srinagar-Leh National Highway, vital for connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, has reopened following its closure due to heavy snowfall on January 28.

According to officials, 10 vehicles from Kargil-Sonamarg and 27 from Srinagar-Kargil routes successfully crossed the Zojila axis, transporting 160 passengers.

Additionally, Kargil's district administration dispatched 10 vehicles to Srinagar to ferry passengers, including students.

Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) expressed gratitude to the Union Territory Administration, Ladakh Police, Project Vijayak, Beacon officers, and District Administration for their collaborative efforts.

The CEC commended the dedication of Border Roads Organization (BRO) workers for their tireless efforts in harsh conditions to reopen this vital passageway.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar-Kargil Highway has been shut down for traffic following a fresh snowfall that blanketed the Zojila Pass on Saturday. An official, while speaking to a local news agency, confirmed the closure, emphasizing the necessity to ensure the safety of travellers.

The decision to close the Srinagar-Kargil road was prompted by the fresh snow accumulation at Zojila, rendering the route unsafe for vehicular movement, as per the official's statement.

Reports indicate that numerous passenger vehicles and trucks are currently stationed at Sonamarg and on the Kargil side, awaiting authorization from the administration to resume their journeys.

The closure has inconvenienced many travellers, but authorities prioritize safety in adverse weather conditions, especially given the challenging terrain and the risk posed by heavy snowfall at the Zojila Pass.

Further updates regarding the reopening of the highway are expected following assessments by concerned authorities. Authorities urge travellers to exercise caution and monitor official communications for any developments regarding the reopening of the Srinagar-Kargil road for safe passage.

SRINAGAR — The historic Mughal Road was on Friday thrown open for one-way traffic from Bufliaz to Peer Ki Gali.

As per an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO, District Magistrate ordered allowing one-way traffic on Mughal Road from May 12.

“In view of clearance of snow accumulation and landslides from 19 km (Dogrian) to 43 km Peer Ki Gali as intimated by Chief Engineer, Mughal Road Wing and Executive Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Division, Rajouri-Poonch, the movement of one-way traffic is hereby allowed on Mughal Road from Bufliaz to Peer Ki Gali w.e.f 12-05-2023," the order reads.

“Furthermore, Sr. Superintendent of Police Poonch, Sub Divisional Magistrate Surankote and Dy. SP Traffic Rajouri-Poonch shall deploy sufficient personnel at Behramgalla, Bufliaz and Poshana Checkposts to ensure smooth movement of vehicles with strict compliance of this order," it added.

Srinagar-Leh highway opened for traffic after four days

The Srinagar-Leh highway, which was blocked due to multiple avalanches at Zojilla Pass, has been restored for traffic after four days on Friday.

An official told the news agency KNO that the highway was blocked after multiple avalanches that occurred on May 8.

He said that now traffic has been restored after four days and people are advised to travel with precautions in order to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the J&K Traffic Police on its official Twitter handle said, “Traffic released on SSG road after clearance avalanche. People are advised to follow lane discipline.”

GANDERBAL — Owing to fresh landslides at multiple locations due to incessant rains, the Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed by the officials.

The highway, which connects Srinagar and Leh, was closed for vehicular movement due to fresh landslides that were triggered by heavy rains in Chine Nallah, Bajri Nallah, Pagal Nallah, Pani Metha and other locations in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

An official confirmed to news agency KNT that the highway was closed during the intervening night after the fresh landslides at multiple locations in Zojila. He said men and machinery have been pressed into service to restore traffic movement on the highway.

Scores of vehicles have been stranded at Sonmarg and Minimarg, the official said. He said that due to inclement weather, Amarnath Yatra has been stopped.

“The Yatris who intended to visit the holy cave by foot have been stopped as a consequence of the heavy rains and the slippery condition of the trek, however, the chopper service is operational,” he said.

The official said that 366 pilgrims took a flight from Nilgrath to Panjtarni on Monday while 357 Yatris came back from Panjtarni to Nilgrath through chopper.