BRO officials flagging off the first convoy through Zojila after the snow-blocked pass reopened on April 1. (Photo: BRO)
New Delhi: The Border Roads Organization has achieved a remarkable feat by reopening the strategically important Zojila (Zoji pass) after just 32 days of closure, a development that brings significant relief to the Ladakh region.
Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, director general of BRO, flagged off the first convoy bound for Ladakh on Tuesday, marking the earliest reopening of this critical high-altitude mountain pass that connects the Kashmir valley to Ladakh.
The pass, considered among the world's most challenging high-altitude routes, was closed due to an unusually brief but intense snowfall period triggered by a western disturbance that persisted for 17 days from February 27 to March 16.
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Braving extreme terrain and weather conditions, BRO once again reconnected Kargil and Leh by painstakingly clearing unsurmountable snow walls at Zojila Pass on Srinagar Leh Highway today on 01 April.
In a brief ceremony to mark the event, the
first convoy was… pic.twitter.com/OjmS7onpSU
Despite the formidable challenges posed by the accumulated snow, BRO personnel completed the clearing operations in just 14 days between March 17 and March 30. The teams worked in extreme conditions, battling subzero temperatures, high-velocity winds, and terrain prone to avalanches.
This swift reopening holds particular significance for India's border regions, where connectivity is not merely a matter of convenience but a critical national security concern, especially given the ongoing tensions along the northern frontier.
For the local population in Ladakh, the early restoration of this vital link means resumed access to essential supplies, medical services, and economic opportunities that remain severely restricted during closure periods.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring year-round accessibility to Ladakh,” said a senior BRO official who requested anonymity.
The impressive reduction in closure duration – from about six months a few decades ago to mere weeks now – is attributed to technological advancements, improved snow-clearance techniques, and the unwavering dedication of BRO personnel stationed with Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh.
For many in India’s strategic community, the early reopening of Zojila underscores the country’s growing infrastructure capabilities in harsh mountain terrain – a crucial development in a region where connectivity directly impacts defence preparedness and civilian wellbeing alike.
