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Massive Avalanche Blocks Key Ladakh Highway at Zojila Pass, Vehicles Trapped

A significant snow avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway on the Ladakh side of the Zojila Pass, trapping several passenger vehicles. Officials confirmed there were no casualties from the incident. The avalanche has blocked the highway, prompting immediate rescue and debris clearance operations to restore traffic. The report also details the strategic importance of the under-construction Zojila tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh upon completion.

Key Points: Zojila Pass Avalanche Blocks Srinagar-Leh Highway, No Casualties

  • Avalanche hits Srinagar-Leh highway
  • Vehicles trapped but no casualties
  • Rescue and clearance operations launched
  • Critical Zojila Pass tunnel project highlighted
2 min read

Snow avalanche traps vehicles on Ladakh side of Zojila Pass; no casualties reported

A snow avalanche traps vehicles on the Ladakh side of Zojila Pass, blocking the critical Srinagar-Leh highway. Rescue ops underway.

"Several passenger vehicles were trapped in the debris, but no casualties were reported. - Officials"

Srinagar, March 27

A massive snow avalanche hit the Srinagar-Leh highway on the Ladakh side of Zojila Pass on Friday, trapping several vehicles, officials said, adding that no loss of life was reported in the incident.

Officials said that the avalanche struck the highway earlier in the day on the Ladakh side of Zojila Pass.

Several passenger vehicles were trapped in the debris, but no casualties were reported.

The highway has been blocked following the incident, while rescue and clearance operations have been launched to remove the debris and restore traffic movement.

At present, the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH-1, formerly NH-1D) is a critical 434-km-long two-lane road connecting Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh. Known for its high-altitude and dramatic scenery, the highway passes through the 11,575-ft-high Zojila Pass.

A tunnel is being constructed across the Zojila Pass.

Once operational, it will provide all-weather, safe connectivity between the Union Territory of Ladakh and the rest of the country.

The under-construction tunnel will pass beneath the Zojila Pass, connecting Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir with Drass in Kargil district of Ladakh.

It is a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane road tunnel measuring 9.5 metres in width, 7.57 metres in height, and 14.2 km in length, at an altitude of around 12,000 feet above sea level.

Together with the adjacent, already operational Z-Morh Tunnel, this geo-strategically important project on the Srinagar-Leh highway will provide year-round, weather-proof connectivity to the Ladakh region, boost tourism and the economy, and enhance logistics for the Indian Armed Forces.

It is one of the 31 road tunnels (20 in Jammu and Kashmir and 11 in Ladakh) being constructed at a combined cost of Rs 1.4 lakh crore (approx. $17.5 billion). Upon completion, it will become the longest tunnel in Asia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I travelled on this highway last summer. The scenery is breathtaking but the road conditions are genuinely terrifying. My heart goes out to those who were trapped. Speedy recovery to the highway and kudos to the rescue teams working in such harsh conditions.
A
Arjun K
The strategic importance of this tunnel cannot be overstated. All-weather connectivity to Ladakh is a game-changer for both defence and the local economy. Hope the construction is completed on schedule. Jai Hind!
P
Priyanka N
While the tunnel is a fantastic project, I hope equal focus is given to environmental impact assessments in these fragile Himalayan regions. Development is necessary, but not at the cost of our ecology. Just a thought.
V
Vikram M
Bhai, 14.2 km tunnel at 12,000 feet! That's some serious engineering. Will be the longest in Asia. Makes me proud of our infrastructure capabilities. This will boost tourism in Ladakh massively.
K
Kavya N
My uncle is a truck driver who frequently uses this route. The families of all drivers and passengers must have had such a scary few hours. So relieved everyone is safe. Salute to the BRO and other agencies for the swift response.

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