JAMMU: The Border Roads Organization 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 at the end of March.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 inauguration of the road, Director General of RTH Ministry, V K Rajawat, along with CE Sampark and Beacon Project, were present at Peer Ki Gali,” Defense Lt Col Sunil Partwal said on Friday.“Snow accumulation is still present on adjacent hillsides in some vulnerable locations.
“Due to the prevailing weather conditions, the possibility of avalanches cannot be ruled out,” Lt Col Bartwal said, urging commuters to follow traffic warnings issued by the district administrations of Poonch and Shopian.An official spokesman advised passengers to be extremely careful while traveling along the road. “The movement may be regulated depending on weather conditions and safety assessments by the authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“The Director General of the Ministry of Health praised all ranks involved in the snow removal operations under extremely harsh weather conditions. Route reconnaissance and planning for the expansion of NH-701A are in progress,” Colonel Bartwal said. “During the visit, DF MoRTH also reviewed the progress of work on NH-144A in all packages and issued directions to expedite the same,” he added.
