Wahid Rafeeqi

 

Bandipora, May 19 (KNS): 85 KM Long  Bandipora-Gurez road, which remains closed during winters due to intense snowfall, was officially thrown open for two way traffic on Wednesday.

 

The road opening ceremony was held at the Razdan pass- 11500 feet high wherein Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad flagged off the traffic declaring official the road open for two-way traffic. Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Zahid, Chief Engineer BRO IK Jaggi, Commander Aijai Singh Dabas, Major Brijesh, SDM Gurez and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

 

Gurez valley remains cut-off for around 5 months every year owing to the closure of the 85-kilometre-long road.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad lauded the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for working tirelessly to keep the road opened for maximum time and then opening the road in record time after heavy snowfall from time to time.

 

He said road clearance amid adverse weather conditions is not an easy job but a herculean task. He said it was the hard work of the BRO that helped to keep the road opened till Mid December and then opening it for one way traffic in record time after snowfall. 

 

Dr Owais said there has been an exemplary liaison between the BRO and civil administration during adverse weather conditions that helped to open the road in record time and launching several successful rescue operations when needed.

 

BRO Officers said the clearing of the road was not expected in such a short time in the wake of regular and heavy snowfalls this year. However, collected and concerted efforts at the hands of the security forces and civil administration led to the breakthrough. He thanked the Army, Border Road Organisation (BRO), BSF, CRPF etc for successfully opening the Razdan Pass.(KNS)