Last Updated on December 28, 2021 at 7:25 pm
Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh administrations are trying to meet every challenge to keep the Srinagar-Leh highway open during winters this year.
A senior official at Border Roads Organization (BRO) told Rising Kashmir that they have been directed from higher authorities to keep the highway open during the winter months.
He further informed that for smooth and easy movement of troops, equipments and other essentials every preparations are being done and added that situation has been quite normal in Ladakh thus they are directed to be prepared and active during winters. He further informed that snow clearing machines are being used for clearing of highway roads. The official said the main part of highway stretch from Gagangeer to Zojila Pass is mostly affected due to heavy snow and rest of the places can be handled.
Chief Engineer Beacon, Brigadier Jaggi said that in comparison with previous year, many steps have been taken this year to improve the conditions of roads and its management. He further said that five detachments have been placed from Gumri to Drass and are working in synergy with the civil administration.
A top official informed that they have been directed from Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to keep the highway open during the winters for as much time as possible. Official further said that snow cutters, dozers and many other machinery have been brought to clear roads, manpower has been enhanced and added that they are trying every possible way out to keep roads open.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Santosh Sukhdev also took a view of the arrangements of road safety for travelers on the Zojila road. He assured that there is deployment of recovery vehicles, earthmovers, tippers, etc at strategic points on the highway.
The district police, Ganderbal, and Army officials from 8 Mountain Division presented the existing gaps in communication between the various agencies involved in smooth traffic flow. DC informed that gaps in timing of road maintenance, movement of army convoys, and civilian vehicles were resolved for ensuring smooth coordination for the movement of traffic.
