Srinagar-Leh national highway to remain open till November 15

To ensure adequate availability of essential commodities in frontier Ladakh, the 434km Srinagar-Leh national highway will remain open for vehicular traffic till November 15, subject to the weather conditions.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting chaired by state transport minister Qamar Ali Akhoon in Srinagar, an official spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said heavy vehicles will be allowed to ply on the national highway alternately to and fro Ladakh.

The upward convoy to Ladakh will also start on October 31. However, light vehicles will be allowed from both the sides during the period, he said.

Akhoon asked all the departments to gear up their machinery for the dispatch of remaining supply to the region before the closure of the highway, the only road linking the region with the rest of the state.

"We have to ensure that the people of the twin districts of Kargil and Leh do not suffer during the winter season," he said.

The minister asked the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to keep snow clearance machines at Zojila Pass ready to ensure effective clearance operations as and when required.

He also asked the BRO to involve locals in such operations as they are well aware of the weather conditions of these areas.