The 'unsung' heroes of the Border roads organisation (BRO) on Saturday added another feather in their prized caps by opening the strategically crucial ZojiLa Pass on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh in a record span of 73 days as compared to an average of 135 days in previous years.
ZojiLa, located at an altitude of 11,650 feet, is a strategic pass that provides vital link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh and is the key to operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, DGBR, commended the officials of Project Beacon and Vijayak in achieving this feat.
Lt Gen Choudhary said, "the opening of the crucial axis will facilitate availability of essential goods and supplies for people of Ladakh and also assist in movement of army convoys".
He reiterated BRO’s commitment to be in the forefront in nation building and be the best construction agency in the extremes. During the interaction, DGBR said that the trial movement has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken after the joint inspection by the Civil Administration.
According to a Defence Spokesman, "the pass normally closes by end-November every year, with the onset of winters, when the temperatures dips to sub zero degrees and opens only by mid April the next year. Average closure of pass in earlier years has been 135 days. The renewed focus on infrastructure development of border areas, mandated the requirement of keeping the closure of ZojiLa Pass to the minimum. The ZojiLa Pass was kept open till 04 Jan 2022 and snow clearance operations recommenced on 15 Feb 2022 by Projects Beacon and Vijayak of the BRO".
The Defence Spokesman said, "after sustained efforts by BRO the connectivity across Zojila Pass was initially established on 03 Mar 22 and after that, improvement of road surface was carried out for safe passage of vehicles. The Pass was opened on 19 Mar 2022 and trial vehicles passed through it towards Kargil, thereby bringing much needed relief to the people of Ladakh".
