GANDERBAL: The Srinagar-Ladakh highway remained closed for the second consecutive day on Saturday, leaving around 500 passenger and goods vehicles stranded in Sonamarg and Minimarg following fresh snowfall and avalanche threats in the Zojila sector.
Officials said heavy rainfall in the Kashmir plains and fresh snowfall in Zojila, Minimarg and Gumri forced authorities to suspend traffic on the strategic highway due to slippery road conditions and multiple avalanches.
Chaudhary Liaqat Ali said snowfall in Gumri and Zojila compelled authorities to suspend traffic as a precautionary measure.
He said avalanches had occurred at several locations in Zojila after fresh snowfall and, in view of the prevailing weather conditions, no vehicle would be allowed to ply on the highway.
According to officials, the Meteorological Department has forecast continued adverse weather during the day, necessitating further restrictions on traffic movement.
The highway will be reopened only after the weather improves and the Border Roads Organisation clears the route for traffic.
Officials said the Meteorological Department has forecast improvement in weather conditions from April 19, raising hopes for the gradual restoration of traffic on the Srinagar-Ladakh highway.
