If you know anything about the extreme north, you know that it can get extremely snowy. This snow can get so bad that many roads, highways and other roadway facilities have to close. The snow piles up and makes it very difficult for vehicles to traverse the road. This year, in January, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway closed down because of extreme rainfall. However, it reopened in a record-breaking time of just 68 days.
Srinagar-Leh National Highway Reopens In 68 Days
According to the statements made by the officials, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was closed in the month of January this year. On the 6th of January, because of heavy rainfall, the officials took the decision to close down the national highway for safety reasons. It finally reopened today, the 17th of March.
The highway is located at the Zojila Pass which is perched at an altitude of 11,650 ft. This Zojila pass is an important point of travel for both civilians and the military. This means that keeping it closed for longer periods of time would have negatively impacted the people who live in the vicinity as well as the military.
The Border Road Organisation or the BRO was conscientious of this sensitive issue and has therefore been making ceaseless efforts to make sure that the highway opens sooner than it usually takes to open.
Also Read: Mumbai-Goa Highway: Completion Status, Timeline, Travel Time Reduction & More; All You Need To Know
Will Boost Local Economy
Now that the highway has been opened at a lightning-fast speed, officials think that it will greatly help and positively impact a number of aspects. Officials think that because of the reopening o the highway, travelling will become significantly easier which will boost tourism in the areas.
Further, this boost in tourism will, in turn, boost the local economy which can only help in the long run. People living in the Kargil, Drass, and Leh areas will greatly benefit from this. Since the Zojila pass was also used by the military for operational preparedness. Hence, the military, too, will benefit from its reopening.
What do you think about this? Do you plan on visiting these areas any time soon? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons