BRO keeps Zojila Pass open for vehicular traffic even in January

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 5: Inspite of heavy snowfall at Zojila, BRO Karmyogis, with relentless effort under Project Beacon, ensured opening of the pass and facilitated connectivity to Ladakh region.

Video: https://youtu.be/3J1f_FPUWvA

Zojila Pass located at an altitude of 11643 ft on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road is the lifeline between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Last year Zojila Pass was kept open till December 31 last. However this year due to concerted efforts of Project Beacon, the Zojila Pass was opened for the first time ever in the month of January.

Zojila Pass has its own unique challenges of freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen and frequent avalanches. Due to unrelenting efforts, BRO personnel have ensured trafficability on Srinagar – Sonamarg – Gumri Road across Zojila Pass by employing more than 20 heavy duty equipments including four state of the art Snow Cutters.

Project Beacon has ensured connectivity for strategic requirements of Defence forces  and also the local population. The Snowfall in last two- three days has resulted in slippery road conditions  along Zojila Pass on Srinagar – Leh highway causing disruption to traffic movement.  

Detachments of Project Beacon with prepositioned equipments located  at Gumri, Bajri Nallah, Baltal, Sonamarg and Gagangir played key role to in opening of the Pass despite the inclement weather conditions. Day and night loose their relevance when six teams deployed at different locations worked 24×7 to keep the road open during extremely challenging conditions.

BRO Karamyogis ensured safe passage of  175 vehicles to cross over the pass since January 1 this year. The efforts of BRO was lauded by the civil administration as well as local population.