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
Snowfall in May: Unseasonal Rain and Snow Transform Zojila into White Landscape On Thursday, May 21, an unexpected fresh snowfall blanketed the high-altitude regions near Minamarg, turning the area around Zojila Pass into a pristine white landscape. This unseasonal weather event starkly contrasted with the extreme summer heat gripping much of India’s plains, where temperatures soared to 42°C-47°C in several states. The sudden shift in weather patterns has created a dramatic divide across the country, with some regions experiencing a sharp cooling while others endure relentless heatwaves. The snowfall has prompted authorities to temporarily close the Srinagar-Ladakh highway, a critical route that traverses Zojila Pass at an elevation of over 3.5 kilometers. This strategic road, which connects Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, has been rendered impassable due to the heavy snowfall, forcing travelers and locals to endure delays as teams work to clear the snow and restore safety. The closure has disrupted movement for both residents and visitors, adding logistical challenges to an already unpredictable situation. The unseasonal snow has brought a welcome respite from the scorching heat in the Kashmir Valley, where temperatures have dropped significantly. Meanwhile, other parts of the state have been battered by rain and thunderstorms, highlighting the erratic weather patterns that have become increasingly common. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of stormy weather for the next three days, predicting that temperatures will remain below normal in the region. This forecast underscores the growing unpredictability of India’s climate, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense.#india_meteorological_department #ladakh #ladakh #zojila_pass #minamarg #srinagar_ladakh_highway
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
7 killed as avalanche hits Srinagar-Leh National Highway An avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh national highway near Zero Point at the Zojila Pass on Friday, March 27, 2026, killing at least seven people and injuring five others. The incident occurred in the afternoon when a convoy of passenger vehicles was navigating the snow-covered road. Witnesses reported that a massive snowfall collapsed onto the highway, burying several vehicles at an elevation of 3,580 meters. Initial reports indicated that one vehicle was thrown off the road, while multiple others were trapped in the snow. Casualties were primarily reported from three to four vehicles that were completely buried. Authorities attributed the avalanche to bright sunlight, which may have destabilized the snowpack. Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena directed immediate relief efforts, instructing local officials to mobilize rescue teams and coordinate with disaster response agencies, including the Border Road Organisation. He emphasized that the highway has been closed to traffic and that all government resources are being deployed to manage the situation. Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed condolences to the families of the victims, stating that assistance was being provided to the injured. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also conveyed his grief over the loss of life, offering prayers for the recovery of the wounded. The Zojila Pass, a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, remains a vulnerable area during winter due to its high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. The incident highlights the risks faced by travelers on mountain roads in the region, where sudden natural events can lead to severe disruptions and casualties.#jitendra_singh #zojila_pass #srinagar_leh_national_highway #vinai_kumar_saxena #jammu_kashmir_chief_minister
