Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 12: After remaining closed for four months, Srinagar-Leh National Highway was thrown open formally for traffic on both sides today.
The 430 kilometer long road was thrown open by Commanders of 14 and 15 Corps, Lt General PJS Pannu and Lt General JS Sandhu respectively during a function organized at Zero Point on Zojila Pass, which is gateway to Ladakh region and located at altitude of 11,516 feet above sea level.
Others who were present on the occasion include top officers of Project Beacon, Project Vijayak and other military, civil and police officers.
The Zojla Pass was closed on January 4 this year after heavy snowfall and summer snow clearance operation was started on March 3 by Project Beacon and Project Vijayak. However, due to heavy snowfall in first week of April, the operation of snow clearance was hampered as there were massive avalanches along the highway.
Speaking on the occasion, GOC 15 Corps, Lt General JS Sandhu complimented the teams of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak who worked day and night to clear the road. “I do remember there were major avalanches in Sonamarg and we had to pull out from there. In Gagangeer area the snow was so much that they could only clear 300-400 metres a day,” he said.
The GOC said he is glad that finally the road is open. “This is the handshake between the 14 and 15 Corps, it is a handshake between Ladakh, Kargil and Kashmir. And this handshake is also the lifeline. Now, we will find vegetables, fruits going towards Kargil and Ladakh. Petrol, diesel and all the ration will go to these areas. The sustenance of the people depends upon this,” he said.
The GOC of 14 Corps echoed the views of Lt Gen JS Sandhu and complimented concerned agencies for making road through again for traffic after four months.
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