In a remarkable achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully reopened the Zojila Pass in only 32 days, facilitating a vital connection between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the BRO, marked this significant milestone by flagging off the first convoy towards Ladakh, heralding the resumption of movement along this crucial route.
Zojila Pass, renowned as one of the most challenging high-altitude mountain passes in the world, stands at an elevation of over 11,500 feet. It serves as a strategic lifeline for the region of Ladakh, which often contends with severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall that leads to its seasonal closure during the winter months.
This year witnessed a particularly intense and brief closure period due to a Western Disturbance that inundated the region with relentless snowfall for 17 consecutive days, from February 27 until March 16, 2025. This extreme weather resulted in substantial snow accumulation and disruptions to connectivity. In response to these challenges, the BRO initiated a massive snow clearance operation on March 17, completing the monumental task in just 15 days by March 31. This accomplishment is being recognized as a record in high-altitude road maintenance.
The early reopening of Zojila Pass holds considerable strategic, logistical, and humanitarian significance. The pass is essential for the movement of troops, military logistics, medical provisions, fuel, and other vital supplies to Ladakh. For the local communities, it serves as the primary access route to the Kashmir Valley, crucial for trade, emergency medical services, education, and employment opportunities. The timely reopening notably alleviates the region’s reliance on costly air transport, aiding in the restoration of economic and social normalcy.
This achievement reflects not only the technological advancements and enhanced snow clearance methodologies adopted by the BRO but also a stark contrast to the past, when the pass would frequently remain closed for nearly six months each year. Thanks to the implementation of modern equipment, real-time weather monitoring technology, and round-the-clock operations by dedicated BRO teams, the duration of closure has significantly reduced.
Key contributions came from BRO’s Projects Beacon in Kashmir and Vijayak in Ladakh, with personnel working tirelessly in harsh conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and high-velocity winds, while also navigating zones prone to avalanches. Their efforts have not only expedited the reopening of this vital route but also set a new standard for high-altitude road connectivity.
The successful and timely reopening of the Zojila Pass serves as a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication of the Border Roads Organisation in its mission of nation-building. It underscores the importance of maintaining both strategic and humanitarian lifelines, reinforcing BRO’s commitment encapsulated in its motto: “Ever Onward.” This accomplishment further enhances the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces and provides crucial support to the residents of Ladakh.
