In a major achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)reopened Zojila Pass in a record 32 days, restoring the critical link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of BRO, flagged off the first convoy on Tuesday, marking a major victory against extreme weather and treacherous terrain.
This year, relentless snowfall from February 27 to March 16, triggered by a Western disturbance, led to a 17-day closure of the pass. The BRO’s personnel, operating in sub-zero temperatures, high-velocity winds, and avalanche-prone zones, cleared massive snow accumulations in just 15 days—between March 17 and March 31—setting a new benchmark for rapid clearance.
Zojila Pass, a lifeline for military operations and Ladakh’s local population, traditionally remained closed for six months in the past. However, with technological advancements and improved snow-clearance techniques, the closure period has now been slashed to just weeks. This rapid reopening ensures uninterrupted movement of troops, essential supplies, and trade—a critical factor in India’s border preparedness.
The feat highlights the BRO’s unwavering commitment under Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh, reinforcing India’s strategic readiness in the region, the defence ministry said in a release.