The portals of Badrinath shrine were slated to be reopened to the public on April 26, but the unseasonal snowfall in the higher altitude regions of the State might delay it.
Considering the unpredictable weather, it is uncertain whether the route to Badrinath will be opened to traffic on time. Government officials have also stated that the completion of work of clearing the National Highway-58 to Badrinath might depend on the weather. The Border Roads Organisation and Public Works Department are working overtime to clear the highway routes blocked by heavy blocks of snow. But things appear to be a bit discouraging with the State Meteorological centre forecast of another spell of rain and snowfall in the higher altitude regions of the State from April 11 which might further hamper the clearing of the road to Badrinath.
All told, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has sent twenty-six labourers to facilitate required arrangements before reopening of the shrine's portals.
With the weather not expected to be conducive in the coming days, it remains to be seen whether the road to Badrinath is cleared and other facilities arranged on time for the opening of the shrine to the public.