Kargil, January 24, 2026: Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, on Friday visited Zojila Pass to review the condition of the Kargil–Srinagar National Highway following recent snowfall in the region.
The visit was aimed at assessing the feasibility of reopening the crucial road link for vehicular traffic. The Deputy Commissioner inspected the stretch from Drass to Zero Point, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil Nitin Yadav and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Drass Vishal Atri.
During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration has already deployed the required manpower and machinery to ensure the highway is reopened before the next anticipated spell of snowfall. He reviewed the pace of snow clearance work and directed the concerned departments to expedite the reopening of the road.
The SSP Kargil instructed Ladakh Police officials to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the Zojila axis, timely circulation of traffic advisories, and adequate security and assistance for vehicles plying on the Zojila stretch.
Officials noted that Zojila Pass has remained open for an unusually extended period this winter. Despite multiple spells of snowfall, the administration has managed to keep the strategically important mountain pass functional even in January.
Traditionally, Zojila Pass remains closed for five to six months during the winter due to heavy snow accumulation, making the current development significant for regional connectivity and supply lines.
