J-K govt to smoothen traffic on Srinagar-Leh highway

In order to ensure smooth traffic movement on Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the only road linking Jammu and Kashmir and the frontier region, the state government on Tuesday said modalities will be worked out with the Army and the Border Roads Organisation.

"Necessary modalities will be worked out with Army and BRO authorities for convoy timings," a notification issued by the transport department said.

The 434-km Srinagar-Leh highway, which connects Ladakh in the frontier with the state, was reopened for traffic on May two after remaining closed for over five months in the wake of heavy snowfall during the winter.
    
The government directed all concerned departments including, transport, police, district administration and consumer affairs and public distribution (CAPD) to coordinate arrangements for deploying necessary staff, weigh bridges and equipment for a planned movement of traffic including carriage of material supplies and other essential commodities.
    
The deployment would be done in a phased manner to avoid any shortage in Leh and Kargil districts, which usually remain cut off with rest of the state for nearly six months after the highway closes in November every year.