New Delhi, March 19 : Border Road Organization (BRO) on Saturday opened the strategic Zoji La Pass on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road thereby providing vital link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. With the onset of winters, the Zoji La Pass closes by the end of November every year, when the temperatures dips to subzero degrees and opens only by mid April the next year. The Pass is the key to operational preparedness of the Armed Forces. “The Pass was opened this year after a closure of 73 days, as compared to average of 135 days in previous years,” the Indian Army said in a statement. The renewed focus on infrastructure development of border areas, mandated requirement of keeping the closure of Zoji La Pass to the minimum. The Zoji La Pass was kept open till 4th of January 2022 and snow clearance operations recommenced on 15th February by Projects Beacon and Vijayak of the BRO, the statement said. After sustained efforts by BRO the connectivity across Zoji La Pass was initially established on 3rd of March and after that, improvement of road surface was carried out for safe passage of vehicles, it added. The Pass was opened on Saturday and trial vehicle passed through it towards Kargil, thereby bringing relief to the people of Ladakh. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of BRO commended the officials and said that the trial movement was conducted successfully today and the decision to open road for civil traffic will be taken after the joint inspection by the Civil Administration. The opening of the Pass will facilitate availability of essential goods and supplies for people of Ladakh and also assist in movement of Army convoys. ASU SHK1616
