SRINAGAR: The 434-km-long National Highway, the only road connecting Ladakh region with Kashmir valley, remained closed for the second day on Tuesday due to fresh snowfall, a traffic police official said. Large number of vehicles, including trucks and oil tankers, are stranded on both sides of the Zojila pass.
The road has become very slippery due to accumulation of snow, which has accumulated, particularly between Sonmarg in central Kashmir district of Ganderbal and Zojila and Meenmarg, he said.
He said light to moderate snowfall was recorded at Sonmarg, Zojila, Zero-point, Meenmarg and other places on the highway, the only road linking Ladakh valley with Kashmir. It was still snowing at several places, he said.
After accumulation of snow due to which the road has become slippery, authorities ordered to suspend traffic on the road yesterday, he said, adding that there was also threat of avalanches during the next 24 hours on the highway.
Only one-way traffic was plying on the highway for the past several week after first heavy snowfall.
Large number of Kashmir-bound vehicles, including empty trucks and oil tankers besides carrying passengers, are stranded at Drass, Kargil and Meenmarg. Similarly, Ladakh-bounds trucks, carrying essentials and oil tankers have been stopped at Sonamarg in the central Kashmir district of Ganderbal.
The Beacon authorities will start snow clearance operation only when the snowfall stop and there is no threat of avalanches, official sources said adding the highway will be declared closed for winter if there is no improvement in the weather and road condition. The Ladakh region remained cut off during six winter months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. (AGENCIES)
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