By Mir Showkat
Ganderbal: Srinagar-Leh highway on Saturday was thrown open to carry essential commodities to the Ladakh despite the fresh snowfall in the Zojila pass, officials said.
The 425-km road was closed in December last year due to heavy snow especially around Zojila pass . The thoroughfare was opened as per the directions from Divisional Commissioner Ladakh who had underlined need to stockpile essential commodities in the region.
The highway was thrown open in presence of SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal, SDPO Kangan Tahir Ahmad, Dysp Traffic Ganderbal, SHO Sonamarg Lateef Ali, Tehsildar Gund Fareed Ahmad and other BRO officials at Sonamarg.
SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal said that only 18 authorised Oil Tankers were allowed to move towards Ladakh. In second phase, he said, trucks carrying vegetables and other essential commodities would be permitted to ply from Srinagar towards Kargil and vice a versa in coming days.
He SSP said the movement of pedestrians, passenger vehicles, unauthorized trucks and other vehicles stands prohibited. Only driver and conductor of the authorized vehicles shall be allowed to on the highway, he added.