In a remarkable feat of engineering and perseverance, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has reopened the strategically vital Zojila Pass in a record 32 days. The pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, was officially reopened today with Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of BRO, flagging off the first convoy towards Ladakh.
Zojila Pass, one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude routes, faced an intense but short closure this year due to relentless snowfall triggered by a Western Disturbance. The extreme weather conditions led to the accumulation of massive snow deposits, forcing the pass to remain shut for 17 days, from February 27 to March 16. Undeterred by the sub-zero temperatures, high-velocity winds, and avalanche-prone terrain, BRO personnel undertook an aggressive snow-clearing operation, completing the task in a record 15 days between March 17 and March 31.
The reopening of the pass holds immense strategic and logistical importance. Every year, Zojila Pass is temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall, severely impacting troop movements, the supply of essential commodities, and the daily lives of Ladakh’s residents. The local population relies heavily on this route for trade, medical supplies, and economic activities. However, due to technological advancements, improved snow-clearing techniques, and BRO’s relentless efforts, the closure period has significantly reduced—from six months a few decades ago to just a few weeks today.
The swift reopening of Zojila Pass underscores BRO’s unwavering commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure in the region. Under Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh, BRO continues to ensure timely connectivity restoration, strengthening regional stability and national security.
This achievement reaffirms India’s capability to overcome geographical and climatic challenges, ensuring uninterrupted access to the strategically crucial Ladakh region. As the first convoy makes its way through the freshly cleared pass, the successful operation is a testament to BRO’s dedication and expertise in road infrastructure development in some of the world’s harshest terrains.
Team BharatShakti
