Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway to remain open till Nov 15

The decision was taken today at a meeting of officials of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), traffic department and civil administration held to review the decision of the BRO to close the road from October 31.

The BRO authorities, who are looking after this 400-km National Highway, had earlier announced that the road would be closed on October 31, which created panic among the people of Kargil and Leh.

Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon, who chaired the meeting, said review meetings will be held on weekly basis to monitor the smooth movement of traffic on the national highway.

Describing the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway (NH) only lifeline for the people of twin districts of Leh and Kargil, Akhoon said requisite quantity of food grains, other essential commodities including kerosene and LPG are to be stocked in these border districts.

He directed the departments concerned and agencies to ensure that buffer stocks of these items should be stored in the area before the closure of this NH.

Akhoon directed BRO authorities to put men and machinery into service round the clock so that in case of any eventuality, the stranded vehicles be cleared from the road and ensure that all vehicles are evacuated in case of landslide or snowfall.