Srinagar Leh Road Closed after Heavy Snowfall

by Vargis.Khan

The entire stretch of Srinagar Leh road closed after authorities were forced to shut it down on April 20th post heavy snowfall at Zojila top. A thick blanket of snow covered the Sonamarg – Leh stretch of the national highway, which links the Ladakh region with Kashmir. Along the highway, Minimarag reported 2.5 feet of snow and Sonamarg six inches. Heaviest however was at Zojila top with around 2 – 3 feet of fresh snow. The heavy snowfall triggered an avalanche at the pass after which traffic came to a standstill. The sudden change in weather left several stationary vehicles covered under thick snow along the road.

srinagar leh road closedSource: TOI and GreaterKashmir

The Army took essential supplies to Leh by helicopter, while BRO personnel pressed into service to clear the highway.

Srinagar Leh Road Closed

Officials said that the snowfall which started in Zojila and Sonamarg areas on Thursday evening; continued till Friday night; resulting in heavy accumulation of snow in the area on the highway; forcing suspension of traffic movement on Sonamarag-Drass stretch for second day on Saturday.

“Weather remained dry in the area on Saturday; and BRO is on job to clear the snow from the road to reopen the highway,” said an official

The sudden change in weather has left an effect throughout the region. Rohtang Pass too was declared open earlier in April but was shut down for tourists again. BRO was hopeful to clear the Manali Leh stretch by April 20th and Manali Kaza stretch before April ended. Recent spells of snow however has pushed the opening times yet again; and it seems that both of these roads will now open sometime by May end. Situation at Srinagar Leh route however is expected to improve; and authorities are hopeful that the road will open again within next few days.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask at our Community Forum; or in the comments section below and I will be glad to answer.

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8 comments

RAJ K April 27, 2018 - 1:34 pm

Sir Vargis when the roads open from Srinagar to Leh kindly let us know since we started the trip from Bangalore.Thank you

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 27, 2018 - 1:39 pm

Hi Raj, It should open by tomorrow as far as I know

Reply
Suresh Kumar April 26, 2018 - 7:15 am

today is 26.04.2018. Is it open now? if not .. any possibility tomorrow? Again.. I am coming for the first time to leh next week with family including 4 year old child all the way from Keralam. So in case of emergencies can I call you? Could you give me your mobile no, please. Mine is 9895803948.

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 26, 2018 - 4:58 pm

Yes the road was opened yesterday Suresh. I am however based out in Delhi so will be of little help in case of any emergency. You can call my contact in Srinagar though. His name is Faisal and his number is 9596410670. Give my reference and he will do his best to help.

Reply
Suresh Kumar April 26, 2018 - 6:49 pm

Thank you very much dear Mr vargis Khan.

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 27, 2018 - 1:34 pm

You are welcome !!!

Reply
Resh April 24, 2018 - 9:20 am

Doo you think the road from sri – leh will be open by 10th May 2018

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 24, 2018 - 6:51 pm

It will open in next 3-4 days.

Reply

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