KL Report
SRINAGAR
The strategic 434 Km long Srinagar – Kargil – Leh Highway (NH-1D) was thrown open to vehicular traffic Wednesday by Lt Gen Subrata Saha, GOC Chinar Corps. Last year the highway was opened to vehicular traffic on the same date, a defence statement said this evening.
Speaking on the occasion, the statement quoted GOC Chinar Corps complementing the Border Road Personnel (both from Project BEACON & VIJAYAK) on the timely opening of the road, braving adverse weather conditions in extremely difficult & risky terrain.
“He also lauded their effort in keeping the road opened for an extended period in the last season from 13 May 2014 to 12 Jan 2015 (by nearly one month beyond the normal period). This year, despite the heavy snowfall during Feb – Mar 2015 (caused due to the Westerly disturbance), the snow clearance operations commenced on 18 March 2015 and was completed in the first week of May 2015. This was followed up by trials for both light and heavy vehicles to ensure that the road was fit in all respects,” the statement said.
GOC Chinar Corps reiterated the strategic and economic importance of this road which, besides boosting tourism in Kashmir & Ladakh, also serves as a lifeline to the entire Ladakh Region.
“Its importance to the tourism sector is significant as it provides land connectivity through some of the most breathtaking terrain in the Nation, providing a lifetime experience to all those undertaking the journey. Various measures to improve the connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh Region with widening of SSG (Srinagar – Sonamarg – Gumri) road and tunneling at Gagangir / Z Morh (6.5 Km tunnel) and Zoji La (14.10 Km tunnel) were also highlighted,” he was quoted as having said.
He also complemented the Awaam of Kashmir & Ladakh Region on the occasion and assured them on security of the road against challenges posed by the harsh weather & terrain conditions as well as the external and internal threats.
