Ajit Karn
On March 16, 2023, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) inaugurated the strategic Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range. The pass at 11,650 feet which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir was kept open for traffic till January 06, 2023 through relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions, ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears.
सीमा रस्ते संघटनेने केवळ 68 दिवस बंद ठेवल्यानंतर लष्करी हालचालींसाठी महत्त्वाची झोजीला खिंड खुली केली. #लडाख आणि गुरेझ खो-यामध्ये संपर्क पुनर्स्थापित.
For more details: https://t.co/BxbfHtNDGo@SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @BROindia @PIBMumbai @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @airnews_pune pic.twitter.com/eGkUZK7z1H
— PRO Defence Pune (@PRODefPune) March 16, 2023
Since the first week of February 2023, Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in J&K and Ladakh, have been responsible for snow removal on both sides of the pass. The connectivity across Zoji La Pass was initially established on March 11, 2023, after sustained efforts. After that, efforts were made to enhance the road conditions so that vehicles could pass safely.
Similarly, Razdan Pass, which provides the only road access between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley, was effectively reopened on March 16, 2023, after a brief 58-day closure. Other significant passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali, and Zamindar Gali have remained accessible throughout the winter.
Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhry, VSM, DGBR, praised the Karamyogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak for accomplishing this feat.
Lt. Gen. Chaudhary stated, “Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate an increase in the distribution of essential goods and services to the residents of Ladakh and Gurez Valley.”
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The DGBR added that the trial movement of vehicles was conducted successfully today and that the Civil Administration will decide whether or not to open the road to civil traffic following a joint inspection.
