For the first time, Zoji mountain pass remained open beyond 31st December: Ministry of Defence

Zojila is at an altitude of 11,649 feet and it links the Union Territory of Ladakh with the rest of the country.

In an unprecedented achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) raised its benchmark of excellence and kept the Zoji mountain pass open beyond December 31.

According to the Ministry of Defence, “The BRO achieved this feat through its frontline Projects – Vijayak and Beacon. They are collectively responsible for maintaining the axis that has strategic implications, in addition to the socio-economic well-being of Ladakh.”

It added, “Last year the same was extended till 31st December 2020, the BRO silently but surely embarked on the journey to better its own record by reorganising and adding a few more snow clearance detachments and augmenting them with the state-of-the-art snow clearance equipment. The results of the planning and efforts are for all to see, having achieved the feat which hitherto was considered impossible by many.”

The UT administration of Ladakh and the locals have praised the efforts.

Due to the BRO’s efforts, the logistic burden on the UT administration was reduced. It also helps the local inhabitants to stock additional rations and supplies to brave the impending harsh winters.

“In the first three days of 2022, about 178 vehicles have been able to transit through the pass by the collective assistance of the BRO and the Police personnel. The numbers are considered significant because with the temperatures plummeting to minus 20 degrees centigrade, the road is subject to extreme frosting with blizzard like conditions, which can lead to accidents,” the Defence Ministry said.

“Thus, besides snow clearance, the axis is subjected to maintenance on a daily basis to keep it roadworthy, which is achieved by the relentless and selfless efforts of the Karamyogis of BRO,” it added.