Srinagar: The Ladakh region was today reconnected with the rest of the state as Zojila pass was put through after remaining closed due to snowfall since December 1 last year.
“We allowed more than 135 vehicles, majority of them carrying passengers, from world famous health resort of Sonamarg to Kargil after the BEACON authorities cleared snow,” a traffic police official said.
He said the first convoy was flagged off by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon from Sonmarg.
Light vehicles, carrying essentials and passengers moved in a very slow speed through about six to ten feet of snow walls on both sides of the road towards Kargil.
The highway, which links the Ladakh region with the rest of the state, was closed following heavy snowfall, particularly in Zojila area, from December 1 last year.
The BEACON authorities, responsible for maintenance of the highway, pressed into service sophisticated machines and men last month to put through the highway.
Despite avalanches and fresh snowfall, the BEACON workers continued their work and allowed traffic today as per schedule.
The Centre and state government have agreed to construct a tunnel at Zojila to make it all-weather road.
The work is likely to start in August this year.
The authorities airlifted several thousand stranded passengers from Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu through Indian Air Force planes during winters.