Snowfall Shuts Mughal Road Again, Authorities Race Against Weather to Restore Key South Kashmir Link
Fresh snow blocks historic route connecting Kashmir with Pir Panjal as BRO steps up clearance efforts amid harsh winter conditions
Shopian, Jan 09: The historic Mughal Road, a crucial inter-district and inter-regional link connecting south Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region, remained closed for vehicular traffic on Tuesday following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches. Officials said the latest spell of snow has led to significant accumulation along several vulnerable stretches of the road, rendering it unsafe for movement and once again disrupting connectivity during the peak winter season.
According to officials, nearly four inches of fresh snow has accumulated on multiple portions of the Mughal Road overnight. The snowfall, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, has worsened already challenging winter conditions, leading to continued traffic suspension on the route. The road, which passes through high-altitude areas and steep mountain terrain, is particularly vulnerable to snow accumulation, icy patches, and reduced visibility during Chillai Kalan.
A Lifeline for South Kashmir and Pir Panjal
The Mughal Road holds immense strategic, economic, and social importance for the region. Stretching across the Pir Panjal range, it serves as an alternative route connecting Shopian district of south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts. For thousands of residents, the road acts as a lifeline, facilitating the movement of essential supplies, agricultural produce, and passengers, especially when the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway faces disruptions.
Local traders and transporters say the closure affects the supply chain, particularly for fruit growers, livestock traders, and small businesses that depend on smooth connectivity between Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. “Whenever the Mughal Road shuts, our movement is restricted, and transportation costs increase,” said a Shopian-based trader. “It has become an essential route for us.”
Authorities on High Alert
Officials said teams of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been deployed to clear snow from the affected stretches. Snow clearance machinery, including snow cutters and dozers, has been pressed into service, and operations are being carried out on a priority basis to restore connectivity as soon as weather conditions permit.
“Snow clearance work is underway, and efforts are being made to reopen the road at the earliest,” an official said, adding that safety remains the top priority. Authorities have cautioned commuters against attempting to travel on the road until it is officially declared open.
Shopian, Jan 09: The historic Mughal Road, a crucial inter-district and inter-regional link connecting south Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region, remained closed for vehicular traffic on Tuesday following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches. Officials said the latest spell of snow has led to significant accumulation along several vulnerable stretches of the road, rendering it unsafe for movement and once again disrupting connectivity during the peak winter season.
According to officials, nearly four inches of fresh snow has accumulated on multiple portions of the Mughal Road overnight. The snowfall, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, has worsened already challenging winter conditions, leading to continued traffic suspension on the route. The road, which passes through high-altitude areas and steep mountain terrain, is particularly vulnerable to snow accumulation, icy patches, and reduced visibility during Chillai Kalan.
A Lifeline for South Kashmir and Pir Panjal
The Mughal Road holds immense strategic, economic, and social importance for the region. Stretching across the Pir Panjal range, it serves as an alternative route connecting Shopian district of south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts. For thousands of residents, the road acts as a lifeline, facilitating the movement of essential supplies, agricultural produce, and passengers, especially when the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway faces disruptions.
Local traders and transporters say the closure affects the supply chain, particularly for fruit growers, livestock traders, and small businesses that depend on smooth connectivity between Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. “Whenever the Mughal Road shuts, our movement is restricted, and transportation costs increase,” said a Shopian-based trader. “It has become an essential route for us.”
Authorities on High Alert
Officials said teams of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been deployed to clear snow from the affected stretches. Snow clearance machinery, including snow cutters and dozers, has been pressed into service, and operations are being carried out on a priority basis to restore connectivity as soon as weather conditions permit.
“Snow clearance work is underway, and efforts are being made to reopen the road at the earliest,” an official said, adding that safety remains the top priority. Authorities have cautioned commuters against attempting to travel on the road until it is officially declared open.
Given the road’s high altitude and exposure to heavy snowfall, reopening often depends not only on clearance efforts but also on weather stability. Fresh snowfall or sudden temperature drops can quickly undo clearance progress by forming icy layers.
Valley Shivers Under Severe Cold
The closure comes amid an intense cold wave sweeping across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Budgam dipped to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius and Awantipora to minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Pulwama recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, and Pampore minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. In north Kashmir, Kupwara and Baramulla recorded minus 1.8 and minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Officials said the prolonged sub-zero temperatures are contributing to the persistence of snow and ice on roads, particularly in higher reaches such as the Mughal Road corridor.
Snowfall Brings Mixed Impact
While snowfall has disrupted road connectivity, it has also revived winter tourism across Kashmir. In Gulmarg, snow-related activities have resumed following fresh snowfall, bringing relief to tourism stakeholders.
Director of the Gulmarg Adventure Academy, Azhar Fayaz Lone, said activities such as snow biking, ATV rides, and snow sledge rides are now operational. “Basic ski and snowboard courses have also been launched,” he said, adding that nearly 1.5 feet of snow was recorded in the Kangdoori area.
Heavy machinery has been pressed into service to remove snow and restore connectivity, but officials said that it will take some time before the road is declared fit for traffic.
Authorities have advised locals and commuters to avoid attempting travel on the Mughal Road until clearance work is fully completed and an official clearance order is issued. The road is prone to frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, and reopening depends largely on weather conditions.
Officials said continuous monitoring is being carried out and further updates will be shared once the situation improves and traffic movement becomes possible. [KNT]
Valley Shivers Under Severe Cold
The closure comes amid an intense cold wave sweeping across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Budgam dipped to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius and Awantipora to minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Pulwama recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, and Pampore minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. In north Kashmir, Kupwara and Baramulla recorded minus 1.8 and minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Officials said the prolonged sub-zero temperatures are contributing to the persistence of snow and ice on roads, particularly in higher reaches such as the Mughal Road corridor.
Snowfall Brings Mixed Impact
While snowfall has disrupted road connectivity, it has also revived winter tourism across Kashmir. In Gulmarg, snow-related activities have resumed following fresh snowfall, bringing relief to tourism stakeholders.
Director of the Gulmarg Adventure Academy, Azhar Fayaz Lone, said activities such as snow biking, ATV rides, and snow sledge rides are now operational. “Basic ski and snowboard courses have also been launched,” he said, adding that nearly 1.5 feet of snow was recorded in the Kangdoori area.
Heavy machinery has been pressed into service to remove snow and restore connectivity, but officials said that it will take some time before the road is declared fit for traffic.
Authorities have advised locals and commuters to avoid attempting travel on the Mughal Road until clearance work is fully completed and an official clearance order is issued. The road is prone to frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, and reopening depends largely on weather conditions.
Officials said continuous monitoring is being carried out and further updates will be shared once the situation improves and traffic movement becomes possible. [KNT]
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