Kargil, April 11: Dr. Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, flagged off a convoy of heavy goods vehicles on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on Friday, sending them on their way from Sonamarg towards Drass. Senior officials from the Ganderbal district administration and the Kashmir Rural Traffic Police were also present on the occasion.

It may be recalled that the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was closed in late February due to heavy snowfall. After weeks of continuous snow-clearing efforts, the highway was partially reopened for light vehicles on April 1, while the movement of heavy goods vehicles remained restricted until now.

Dr. Jaffer Akhoon commended the efforts of the concerned departments, particularly the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Traffic Police, for restoring the highway in a timely manner despite harsh weather conditions. He stated that the resumption of goods transport would ensure the smooth supply of essential commodities to the people of Ladakh and boost the region’s economy.

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Dr. Jaffer also urged all drivers and transport operators to exercise caution, emphasizing that the national highway is a sensitive and challenging route where strict adherence to safety protocols is crucial.

Meanwhile, local traders and transporters expressed relief over the reopening of the highway for heavy vehicles and thanked the administration for their efforts.