Bandipora, Apr 25: Even as the snowbound Razdan Pass has emerged as an unexpected tourist destination, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified snow clearance operations to restore traffic on the Bandipora–Gurez road, which remains closed due to heavy winter snowfall.
An official said that snow cutters have reached the upper reaches of Razdan Pass, situated at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet, where teams are working under adverse weather conditions, they said.
He described the operation as challenging, with accumulated snow of around six to seven feet at the pass. “The machines have reached the toughest stretch at Razdan Top. It is a herculean task given the terrain and weather,” the official said.
They said the road could be opened soon from both sides if weather conditions remain favourable.
Amid the ongoing operations, hundreds of tourists from outside Jammu and Kashmir have been visiting the Razdan Pass area to witness fresh snowfall in late April — a phenomenon no longer visible at most other tourist destinations in the Valley this time of the year.
Several tourists expressed satisfaction over experiencing snowfall, saying it added to the appeal of their visit. “We came expecting greenery, but witnessing snowfall in late April at Razdan is unbelievable. It’s something we never imagined experiencing in Kashmir this time of the year,” said Rohan Mehta, a tourist from Delhi.
“The snow here feels fresh and untouched. We had heard Gulmarg had less snow now, but Razdan gave us the perfect winter experience even in April,” said Ayesha Khan, a visitor from Mumbai.
Notably, the administration recently allowed tourist movement towards Razdan Pass after it remained restricted last year following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 tourists dead.
The officials termed the ongoing clearance exercise among the earliest such operations, noting that the road is typically cleared around March.
“Though overall precipitation has remained comparatively less this season, there is still significant snow accumulation at Razdan Top. Our teams are working continuously to clear it,” the official said.
The stretch between Razdan Top and Zaidkhushi is considered highly avalanche-prone, with sub-zero temperatures and strong winds further complicating the work. Snow accumulation continues even after clearance, slowing progress, officials added.
The Bandipora–Gurez road is the only surface link connecting the remote Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir, and its restoration is crucial for movement of essential supplies and services—(KNO)
