Umar Raina, Ganderbal, May 3, KNT: The 434-km Srinagar-Leh highway was thrown open for Heavy Motor Vehicles today after improvement in weather and snow clearance operation.

The highway was earlier thrown open for light motor vehicles after a hiatus of over 3 months. However, Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) were not allowed to ply on the highway due to slippery conditions of the road.

Hundreds of HMVs were stranded at different places of the district including Sonmarg, Gagangeer and Gund. Recently, these drivers staged a protest urging administration to allow them to leave for Kargil as the perishable goods loaded in their trucks had started spoiling.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Trust that over 450 trucks were allowed to ply on the highway today. “These trucks were laden with essential items like fruits and vegetables and they left for Kargil and Leh today,” he said adding that scores of trucks are still stranded at different places of Ganderbal district and they will also be allowed to leave for Kargil if weather remains pleasant.

Pertinently, the snow clearance operations were completed in the middle of April. Nearly 18 to 30 feet of snow had accumulated on the highway. (KNT)