Authorities Restrict Srinagar-Leh Highway Traffic Amid Heavy Snowfall in Kargil Fresh snowfall swept through Minamarg and Zojila Pass in Kargil district on May 26, 2026, prompting authorities to impose temporary restrictions on vehicle movement along the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The unexpected weather event disrupted transportation, logistics, and local travel, with over 200,000 people affected by the sudden snowfall. Travelers faced delays and limited access due to poor visibility, icy road conditions, and hazardous terrain. The snowfall, though typical for high-altitude regions during late spring, posed significant challenges for both civilian and military movement along this critical mountain corridor. The Srinagar-Leh Highway, also known as National Highway 101 (NH-101), connects Kashmir Valley with Ladakh and serves as a vital lifeline for trade, tourism, and emergency services. The snow accumulation at high-altitude passes, including Zojila (elevation 11,700 feet), created dangerous driving conditions, leading to partial closures of the highway. Local authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) implemented temporary restrictions to ensure safety, with road-clearing operations underway to restore full access. Vehicle movement along the highway was partially suspended, particularly for heavy trucks and passenger buses, as officials issued travel advisories urging motorists to avoid non-essential trips. Drivers were advised to equip their vehicles with snow chains, traction devices, and emergency supplies. The snowfall also caused minor traffic congestion in lower-lying areas like Ganderbal and Srinagar, as drivers adjusted to deteriorating road conditions.#border_roads_organisation #zojila_pass #srinagar_leh_highway #kargil_district #minamarg_pass
Avalanche Tragedy Claims Lives on Srinagar–Leh Highway At least seven individuals lost their lives and five others were injured following a series of avalanches that buried multiple vehicles along the Srinagar–Leh highway near the Zoji La pass on Friday. The incident occurred in a remote region of Ladakh, where rescue teams were swiftly deployed to the affected area. Authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, VK Saxena, coordinated the response and oversaw the initiation of relief operations to assist the stranded and injured. The avalanches, which triggered by sudden weather changes, disrupted traffic on a critical route connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Ladakh region. Emergency services worked under challenging conditions to locate and extract survivors, while local officials emphasized the need for immediate support to those impacted by the disaster. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of mountain roads in the region, particularly during the winter months when heavy snowfall increases the risk of such events. Authorities have since confirmed that no lockdown measures were imposed, and there were no reports of fuel shortages in the area. Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability, addressing public concerns about supply chain disruptions. Separately, US President Donald Trump has extended a temporary halt on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, prolonging the pause until April 6. The decision follows claims that Tehran requested the delay, though details remain unclear. This pause has sparked debates about the potential for future military actions, with analysts suggesting the administration is preparing for potential ground operations.#ladakh #ladakh #avalanche #srinagar_leh_highway #zoji_la_pass #vk_saxena
Avalanche Claims 7 Lives, Injures 5 On Zojila Pass Connecting Jammu-Kashmir And Ladakh A massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway on Friday, killing at least seven people and injuring five others. The incident occurred on the Ladakh side of the Zojila Pass, a critical mountain route linking Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. The snow slide trapped multiple passenger vehicles under debris, causing the highway to be completely blocked. Rescue and clearance operations are underway, with teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and police working to remove the snow and locate any remaining trapped individuals. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, who is overseeing the response, stated that he has directed local officials to the site and activated all government agencies, including disaster relief forces and the BRO, to assist in the rescue efforts. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the casualties on social media, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring that medical aid is being provided to the injured. The Srinagar-Leh Highway, also known as National Highway 1, is a 434-kilometer route that traverses the Zojila Pass at an elevation of 11,575 feet. The road is renowned for its scenic beauty but faces frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and treacherous terrain. To address seasonal disruptions, a major tunnel project is underway across the Zojila Pass. Once completed, the tunnel will provide a year-round, safe connection between Ladakh and the rest of India. The 14.2-kilometer-long tunnel, with a width of 9.5 meters and an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, is set to become the longest tunnel in Asia upon its completion.#ladakh #ladakh #border_roads_organisation #avalanche #zojila_pass #srinagar_leh_highway
