Bandipora, July 1: Fresh snowfall at Razdhan Pass coupled with rain-induced landslides has led to the closure of the strategic Gurez-Bandipora road, temporarily snapping the Valley’s road connectivity with the border region of Gurez.
Officials said continuous rainfall triggered landslides near Rani Mod, rendering the 85-kilometre road unsafe for vehicular traffic. As a precaution, authorities suspended all movement on the route until further orders.
Although nearly an inch of fresh snowfall was recorded at Razdhan Pass, officials said the accumulation was too little to warrant snow clearance operations. They maintained that the decision to close the road was prompted by landslides rather than snowfall.
Restoration work will commence after weather conditions improve and the affected stretches are declared safe for traffic, officials added.
The closure has disrupted the movement of commuters and essential supplies between Gurez and the rest of Bandipora district. Authorities have advised residents and travellers to avoid planning journeys on the route until an official announcement regarding its reopening is issued. [KNT]
