Srinagar-Leh Highway Closed

Srinagar: The Srinagar-Leh highway, connecting the frontier Ladakh region with the rest of the state, was today closed for traffic for the winter season, ahead of expected heavy snowfall, an official said.

The highway, which is the only surface link between Kashmir valley and the Ladakh region, has been closed for traffic following the instructions of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan, said an official of the Traffic Department.

Khan had ordered the closure of Sonamarg-Gumri road (Zojila Pass) from today for all types of vehicular traffic until further notice, the official said.

The decision has been taken in view of the expected snowfall and slippery road conditions, the official said. The MET Department has said a fresh Western Disturbance is most likely to affect the state from tomorrow to 15 December with moisture feeding taking place from the Arabian Sea.

"Under the influence of this system, moderate to heavy rain or snow is expected at widespread places of Jammu, Kashmir and the Ladakh region. "The main activity of this system (moderate to heavy rainfall or snowfall) is likely to occur during 12-13 December and gradual decrease thereafter," the MET office said.

It said this would be the first major wet spell during the current season for the state and the weather system may lead to disruption of surface and air transportation.

The 434-km highway acts as a major lifeline to the frontier region. The Zojilla Pass, 140 km from Srinagar, is a vital crossing point on the mountainous highway and receives the heaviest snowfall in winter, shutting it down for nearly five months each year. (PTI)