Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): With the Valley predictably to get first snowfall this week, Border Roads Organization (BRO) has geared its men and machinery for upkeep and snow clearance of highways and strategic roads in the region for smooth movement of traffic .
“We have kept our men and machinery ready to keep roads clear from snow for vehicular movement,” said Colonel Awadhesh Singh, Director Works, Project Beacon of BRO.
“We have prepared four attack points at Haripora, Gund, Gagangir, Baltal points on Sonmarg to Zojila Road and these points are equipped with sufficient snow clearing machines like excavators, snow cutters and avalanche clearance equipment,” Captain Niraj Kumar Singh, Incharge Engineer Zojila said.
“Two Sentry points have already been set up and kept ready at Panimata and Bajrinalla on Zojila stretch. The personnel of BRO are deployed at the points communicate with the officials down the Pass for effective and timed response during snow clearance,” he said, adding that they will put in all their efforts to keep the road open for extended period provided the weather allowed .
The Captian Niraj Kumar said that inorder to keep away traffic snarls during snow and snow clearance, a complete coordination for traffic management is maintained between civil administration and BRO.
While referring to Srinagar Jammu National Highway, Col Awadhesh Singh pointed out that all preparations have been made and equipment has been kept ready for snow clearance for 15 kilometers each side of Jawahar Tunnel in Qazigund in south Kashmir.
He said the stretch of the highway is lot more vulnerable to snow avalanches and poses lot of challenges while clearing the snow.
The Sonmarg-Leh highway maintained by Project Beacon is d the life-line of the Leh and Kargil and is this season is the high time for stocking of supplies for the winter months. The highway remains closed for nearly 6 months in winter due to snow accumulation, especially at high altitude Zojila Pass in Sonamarg region.
“On the other highways of Kupwara, Bandipora-Gurez, similar arrangements of manpower and machinery have been kept ready for the winter season to ensure hassle-free vehicular movement,” Col Awadhesh said.
These highways and roads falling along hills and mountains in the cold region remain cut off during winter due to snow accumulation, heavy avalanches and BRO ensures their clearance and opening for transport. (KNS)