BRO clears snow, NH-701A thrown open before time

JAMMU: Border Roads Organisation completed snow clearance on National Highway 701A (Old Mughal Road), and two of its stretches were opened on Friday, ahead of schedule. These roads usually open around March-end.

BRO teams cleared the stretch from Bufliaz (Poonch) to Peer Ki Gali (Poonch) under Project Sampark, and the stretch from Shopian to Peer Ki Gali under Project Beacon. “During the road opening, MoRTH director-general VK Rajawat, along with CE Project Sampark and Beacon, were present at Peer Ki Gali,” defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said Friday.

“Snow accumulation still exists on the adjoining hill slopes at certain vulnerable locations. Due to prevailing weather conditions, the possibility of avalanches cannot be ruled out,” Lt Col Bartwal said. He urged commuters to follow traffic advisories issued by the district administrations of Poonch and Shopian.

An official spokesperson advised commuters to exercise extreme caution while travelling on the stretch. “Movement may be regulated depending upon weather conditions and safety assessments by authorities,” the spokesperson said.

“DG MoRTH lauded all ranks involved in snow clearance operations under extremely harsh weather conditions. He said route recce and planning for the widening of NH-701A was in progress,” Col Bartwal said. “During the visit, DF MoRTH also reviewed work progress on NH-144A in all packages, and gave directions to expedite the same,” he added.
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