Suhail Rather
Bandipora, March 15: Vehicular movement on the road connecting Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley has been suspended after fresh snowfall at Razdan Pass rendered the route slippery and unsafe for travel, officials said on Sunday.
Authorities said snowfall at the high-altitude pass led to reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions, prompting the administration to suspend traffic on the nearly 85-kilometre Bandipora–Gurez road as a precautionary measure.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of commuters in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
“Due to fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road shall remain suspended till further orders as a precautionary measure,” he said.
Officials added that several areas of the valley, including Dawar and Tulail Valley, also received fresh snowfall during the day.
The road passing through Razdan Top at an altitude of over 11,000 feet serves as the only major road link connecting Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir through Bandipora district, making it crucial for transportation of essential supplies and passenger movement.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and traffic will be restored once the weather improves and snow clearance operations are completed. Commuters have been advised to follow official advisories and avoid travelling on the route until further instructions.
