Air operations suspended, Jammu-Srinagar Highway partially closed.
Srinagar: Normal life across Kashmir has been severely affected after fresh snowfall blanketed the plains, leading to the suspension of air operations and partial closure of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel as weather conditions continue to remain challenging.
The situation remains grim on the strategically vital Srinagar–Kargil Highway, which has been cut off following heavy snowfall and repeated avalanches. Large portions of the highway, particularly near the Zojila Pass, are blocked, disrupting the crucial road link between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, speaking on the ground situation, said the highway is the lifeline of Ladakh, and its closure is causing serious hardships for residents. He stated that agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Project BEACON, are working round the clock to restore connectivity, but continuous avalanche activity is hampering operations.
Officials said that since the recent spell of snowfall, at least 15 avalanches have struck different stretches of the Srinagar–Kargil highway, underlining the extreme vulnerability of the route. During visual coverage at Zojila, another avalanche was witnessed crashing down on the highway, highlighting the dangerous conditions under which restoration teams are operating.
BRO workers, along with senior officers, were seen inspecting avalanche-hit stretches on the Zojila–Drass sector, deploying heavy machinery and specialized snow-clearing equipment. Despite sub-zero temperatures, unstable slopes, and massive snow walls, teams are working relentlessly to reopen the road at the earliest.
Speaking exclusively to The Sunday Guardian, BRO Brigadier Rahul Obroi said that maintaining roads in Ladakh and high-altitude passes is among the toughest engineering challenges in the world. He added that the organisation is using advanced snow-clearance technology to battle extreme weather, and the morale of BRO personnel remains high despite the risks involved.
The Srinagar–Kargil highway is not just a civilian route but a strategic artery vital for defence preparedness, supply of essentials, and movement in the border region. Continuous blockades have disrupted the flow of essential goods and stranded commuters.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of heavy snowfall across Kashmir and adjoining higher reaches on February 1 and 2, warning of further disruption to road, rail, and air connectivity. Authorities have urged residents, tourists, and travellers to remain cautious and follow official advisories.
Despite the harsh weather, tourist footfall in Kashmir has increased following the snowfall. Popular tourist destinations across the Valley were seen bustling with visitors enjoying fresh snow and experiencing Kashmir’s winter charm, even as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
