Single-lane snow clearance completed on Mughal Road, 2-lane restoration underway

Rajouri, Feb 17: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed single-lane snow clearance on the historic Mughal Road and begun widening the route for two-way traffic, with authorities expecting restoration of the vital link between Rajouri-Poonch and south Kashmir within the next couple of days, officials said on Tuesday.

Earlier, BRO teams were engaged in an extensive snow clearance operation from both sides of the road.

On the Kashmir side, snow was cleared from Hirpora towards Pir Ki Gali, while on the Jammu province side, teams worked from Bufliyaz up to Pir Ki Gali.

Officials informed that both teams joined at Pir Ki Gali on Monday, marking the completion of single-lane snow clearance paving way for single lane restoration of the strategic road link.

Following this achievement, officials said, BRO has taken up the next phase of operations aimed at widening the road to facilitate two-way traffic movement.

At present, snow clearance machines and manpower from both sides are actively engaged in road widening, with efforts focused on ensuring safe and smooth passage for vehicles.

Authorities expect the two-lane clearance work to be completed within the next 36 hours, subject to weather conditions.

Officials further stated that once the ongoing widening and snow removal operations are completed within the next one to two days, the district administration will be formally informed to take a decision regarding reopening of the road for vehicular traffic.

The Mughal Road, which serves as a vital link between the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch with South Kashmir had been closed on January 20 following heavy snowfall in the higher reaches.