Srinagar, Nov 28 (UNI) Traffic was resumed on the 434-km-long national highway, the only road connecting Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh with Kashmir valley, after remaining suspended for five days due to snowfall and slippery road conditions, a traffic police official said here.

Only one-way traffic was allowed and vehicles will ply from Srinagar to Ladakh on Saturday, he told UNI.

However, traffic was again disrupted for some time due to fresh avalanche today, he said, adding that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) responsible for the maintenance of the road immediately put into service sophisticated machine and put through the traffic again.

He said Ladakh bound vehicles will have to leave Sonamarg, in the central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, between1100 hrs to 1500 hrs. No vehicle will be allowed after cut off timing, he said adding that no vehicle will also be allowed from opposition. Anti skid chain should be used to gain more grip on the slippery road, he said adding security forces should also follow same schedule. Night travel between1800 hrs to 0900 hrs next morning will remain banned between Gagangir to Sonamarg on the highway.

Traffic on the highway was suspended on Monday morning after heavy snowfall at Zojila pass, Sonamarg, Zero point, Meenmarg and Drass. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), responsible for the maintenance of the highway put into service sophisticated machines and men to clear the snow. However, continued snowfall on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday coupled with threat of avalanche and slippery road conditions hampered the snow clearance operation. However, snow clearance operation from Kargil to Zero point was completed on Thursday.

Traffic was today resumed after snow clearance was completed from Sonamarg to Zojila pass. The road remained closed during winter due to ten to 15 feet snow and avalanche at several places every year. However, this year the authorities have decided to keep the highway open till December end provided there is no heavy snowfall.

UNI BAS SB 1028