BRO Reopens Zojila Pass in Record Time Following 32 Days of Closure
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Synopsis
On April 1, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) announced the reopening of Zojila Pass after a record closure of just 32 days, overcoming significant challenges posed by heavy snowfall. This vital route connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh and is crucial for both military logistics and local economies.
Key Takeaways
- Record reopening of Zojila Pass after 32 days.
- Severe weather conditions posed challenges for BRO personnel.
- Technological advancements have reduced closure periods significantly.
- Pass is essential for military logistics and local trade.
- Connection between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh is vital for residents.
Srinagar, April 1 (NationPress) The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has successfully reopened the Zojila Pass on Tuesday, achieving this feat in record time after a closure of only 32 days.
“On April 1, with Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, DG, BRO, leading the way, the first convoy set off towards Ladakh. The Zojila Pass stands as one of the most vital and challenging high-altitude routes globally, linking the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh,” stated the Defence Ministry.
This year, the pass endured an exceptionally brief yet intense closure period due to continuous snowfall brought on by a Western Disturbance, lasting for 17 days, from 27 February to 16 March 2025.
“The immense quantity of snow accumulated posed a significant challenge. The BRO personnel, working in extreme conditions, confronting sub-zero temperatures, high-velocity winds, and avalanche-prone areas, managed to clear the snow within a record time of 15 days, from 17 March to 31 March,” the ministry mentioned.
It noted that each year, this formidable pass undergoes heavy snowfall, necessitating its closure during the severe winter months.
“This temporary closure not only affects the movement of troops and essential supplies but also disrupts the daily lives of the local residents in Ladakh, who rely on this route for trade, medical assistance, and economic activities,” it further stated.
The ministry highlighted that advancements in technology, enhanced snow-clearance techniques, and the unwavering efforts of the BRO have significantly reduced the closure duration from approximately six months a few decades ago to just a few weeks now.
“The reopening of Zojila Pass is a reflection of the commitment of the BRO, which oversees Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh to ensure timely restoration of connectivity on this strategic route,” the ministry concluded.
The over 400-km highway connecting Srinagar to Leh is utilized by the army to transport supplies and logistical support for the line of control (LoC) with Pakistan in Kargil district and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Leh district.
The residents of Ladakh heavily rely on this highway for access to other regions. Although an alternative highway connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh, it is not as extensively used by travelers as the Srinagar-Leh route.
