SRINAGAR : The authorities have decided to close the national highway, connecting the Ladakh region with the Kashmir valley from December 20 for winter months due to accumulation of snow and slippery road conditions.
However, for the past six days, no traffic was allowed on the highway due to slippery road conditions following below minus 15 degree Celsius to minus 20 degree Celsius minimum temperature and sub zero temperature during the day at several places.
An official spokesperson said Sonamarg-Gumri (Zojila pass) shall remain closed for vehicular traffic of all types from December 20 till further notice. However, if weather permits, the Srinagar-Sonmarg and Drass-Kargil-Leh portions of the highway will remain open for traffic.
The Central and state governments have already sanctioned construction of a tunnel at Zojila pass to make it an all weather highway for Ladakh region.
A traffic police official said today that no vehicle is being allowed from Kashmir or Ladakh as several feet of snow had accumulated on the highway at several places, particularly at Zojia pass, India Gate and Meenmarg.
He said due to drop in the mercury, the road becomes very slippery even during the day also. In the past, highway was being closed for six winter months from November 1 every year. However, for the past few years, the highway remained open till weather permits.
Meanwhile, the authorities have stocked all essentials commodities, including rice, sugar, wheat flour, kerosene oil, LPG cylinders, diesel and petrol for six winter months.
Large quantity of building material has also been dumped in the region to start the construction work when there is improvement in the weather after winter, even if the highway remained closed. (UNI)
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