Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 5: Around 13500 vehicles have crossed Zojila Pass since November 25 this year as a result of the BRO Karmyogis’ diligent efforts under Project Beacon, which ensured the Pass would remain open for a longer time and ensure connectivity to the Ladakh region.
A BRO spokesperson said that the Zojila Pass which connects the Kashmir valley to Ladakh and is located at an elevation of 11643 feet, was kept open by BRO Karmyogis as part of Project Beacon despite significant snowfall at Zojila. He said that the civil government and the locals in the Kashmir Valley and UT Ladakh had praised BRO’s efforts to maintain the route open for so long. “Last year, the Zojila Pass was kept open until January 3, 2022. This year, thanks to Project Beacon’s concerted efforts, the Zojila Pass was kept open for the first time ever until January 6. The extended opening of Zojila Pass was carried out by BRO for the first time in 2020, keeping in view the situation on the Northern Borders, and since then it has been continued in 2021 and 2022,” he said.
He said that high winds, blizzards, frequent avalanches, and temperatures as low as -20°C did not prevent the Border Roads Karmyogis from ensuring that cars could cross Zojila Pass without being obstructed during the current winter season. “More than 20 heavy-duty plant equipment, including four state-of-the-art snow cutters, were employed to keep the axis open. BRO has also completed successful trials of route guidance and navigation system technology for snow clearing equipment to enhance efficiency and safety while performing snow clearing operations,” he said.
He said project Beacon has ensured connectivity to meet the strategic requirements of the Indian Army and the survival requirements of the local population in the UT of Ladakh. The snowfall in the last two or three days, he said, has resulted in slippery road conditions along Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, causing disruption to traffic movement. “Detachments of Project Beacon with prepositioned equipment located at Gumri, Bajri Nallah, Baltal, Sonamarg, and Gagangir played a key role in the opening of the pass in spite of inclement weather conditions. Day and night lost their relevance when six teams deployed at different locations worked 24×7 to keep the road open during extremely challenging conditions since the onset of winter 2022,” he said.
He added that despite Zojila Pass’ closure, Project Beacon’s snow removal efforts would continue unabatedly to maintain Sonamarg’s tourist destination’s year-round accessibility in accordance with Kashmir Division’s needs.
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