Gurez-Bandipora Road Reopens After 38 Days of Snow-Covered Isolation

PTK News Desk

SRINAGAR: After a strenuous 38-day battle against snow, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) triumphantly announced the reopening of the Gurez-Bandipora road, restoring crucial connectivity to the picturesque Gurez valley.

The official spokesperson of BRO, in a statement, lauded the efforts of Team BRO 56 RCC / 32 BRTF for their relentless commitment to clearing the snow, allowing for single-lane vehicular movement and reuniting the isolated Gurez valley with the rest of Kashmir valley in record time.

**Deputy Commissioner Shakeel ur Rehman Rather** has issued an advisory for one-way traffic movement on the Gurez-Bandipora road to ensure safe passage for vehicles and prevent any untoward incidents. The directive specifies that traffic will flow from Bandipora to Gurez, effective from 27th March 2024, until further notice, contingent upon fair weather conditions.

As a precautionary measure, vehicles traveling from Bandipora to Gurez must cross Tragbal by 11:00 AM, while those journeying from Gurez to Bandipora must cross Kanzalwan by the same time. Drivers have been urged to equip their vehicles with anti-skid chains for added safety, with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the directive.

In anticipation of light rain/snowfall forecasted from 27th March afternoon onwards, drivers and vehicle owners willing to stay in Gurez overnight will be permitted to do so. The BRO has assured the availability of machinery at strategic locations until all traffic has safely crossed.

The reopening of the Gurez-Bandipora road not only brings relief to the local populace but also facilitates the movement of essential supplies and aids the operational readiness of the Army in the region. It stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the BRO personnel who worked tirelessly to overcome nature’s obstacles and restore vital lifelines.