The Srinagar-Leh National Highway 1D will open for vehicular Traffic in the last week of April which is one month late than last year. VIJAYAK is clearing 30 feet or more of snow accumulated by wind or avalanches. Project VIJAYAK of Border Roads Organization has reached at Machoyi, 26 km from Drass and 3 Km before Gumri.

Col P. Kumar CO VIJAYAK told that his team has started the snow clearance work on 10th of March but heavy snowfall after one day created problems. He said that his team has to restart the clearance work from Matayen and this time the snow accumulation is more than last year which creates problem in locating the road.

He appreciated the efforts of the VIJAYAK personal working on the road particularly the Locals as according to him without them the task was difficult.

Col P. Kumar termed the Zojila pass as an important link (Lifeline for Ladakh particularly Kargil) and his team is doing their best to reach the target before time but he added that due to the heavy snowfall in the second week of March this year there will be possibilities of Avalanches after the snow clearance which is the biggest challenge to face.