The Srinagar-Leh National Highway will be re-opened for vehicular traffic by the end of this month, almost a month ahead of schedule, officials said.

"The Srinagar-Leh National Highway is being opened to vehicular traffic by March 20 much earlier as compared to previous years," said a spokesman of Border Roads Organisation which manages the highway.

Aga Syed Abbas visit to Menamarg for the on-spot inspection of the snow clearance work by Project VIJAYAK of BRO from Kargil side.

He was accompanied by Executive Councilor for Health LAHDC Kargil Mohsin Ali, SDM Drass Barkat Ali Nizami, Head of Office AIR Kargil Onkar Singh, DySP Headquarters Mohammad Aslam-Mir, SHO Drass and other district officers.

Major Sumit Shinde, OC VIJAYAK told Syed Abbas that his team is working hard for the reopening the National Highway as soon as possible.

He further added that the team comprised mostly of local workers and experts without whom the work is not possible.

Aga Syed Abbas appreciated the efforts of the team of Major Sumit Shinde and particularly the local led by Nazir Ahmad Sheikh who are working hard without the fear of their life and has cleared around 20 Km of the road in three days. 

He added that the efforts of the local labours should be acknowledged and appreciated so that they can continue their efforts forever and others should come forward in this noble work.

"The team of VIJAYAK is clearing the snow with the help of  4 Dozer, 2 Snow Cutter working regularly back to back and one Dozer and Snow cutter Machines are on standby for backup, along with 30 local labours, 20 armies, and BRO Jawans, supported by the medical treatment by one Doctor, nursing assistance and an ambulance, " added Major Sumit.

This year the work on the road is started earlier due to the fair weather and according to Brigadier AK Das, the fair weather, and less snow during winter will help in opening the 434 Km Long NH1D by the end of March.

The local labours complained that they have been working from the last 10 to 20 years and there is no question of raising their salary or making them permanent which hurts their sentiments a lot despite making such sacrifice and efforts.

People in Kargil are eager for the construction of Zojjila Tunnel which has been announced and even allotted to a company by the Center Government and is hoping that this long pending dream will come true during this government.