Historic Winter Opening of Zojila Pass Ensures Ladakh Connectivity

 

In a significant achievement ensuring winter connectivity to Ladakh, the strategically important Zojila Pass has remained open during winter season, marking a historic milestone.

The development has ensured the continued supply of essential commodities to Kargil and Ladakh during the holy month of Ramadan.  Brigadier Rahul Oberoi, Chief Engineer of Project Vijayak, said that keeping the Zojila Pass open for such a long duration is a major strategic and logistical achievement.

He said that a decade ago, passes used to remain closed for nearly five months during winter, isolating Ladakh from the rest of the country. Brigadier Oberoi said that with the induction of modern technology, new snow-clearance equipment and better operational planning, the Border Roads Organisation has been able to extend the operational period of the pass.

He said that despite heavy snowfall and avalanche threats, the road had to be closed for only four days this winter. Highlighting the strategic importance, he said that Ladakh has only two major road connections with the rest of India – through the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh axis via Zojila and the Manali-Leh route. Keeping at least one axis open ensures uninterrupted movement of supplies and reinforcements.