Before the recent avalanche, Zojila Pass was notorious for its treacherous winter conditions, often closing for nearly five months, isolating Ladakh from the rest of India. Travelers faced long delays, with current travel times across the pass reaching three to four hours.
However, a tragic shift occurred when an avalanche struck around 3 PM on Friday, burying several vehicles and resulting in at least seven deaths and five injuries. The vehicles were en route from Srinagar to Kargil when disaster struck.
Rescue teams quickly mobilized, using JCBs to clear the snow and rescue trapped passengers. As of now, seven bodies have been retrieved, but two individuals remain missing. The avalanche occurred near Zero Point at an elevation of 3,528 meters (11,649 feet), a location known for its perilous conditions.
Authorities have urged travelers to avoid the route until conditions stabilize, emphasizing that rescue and clearance operations are still underway. The Zojila Pass is infamous for its steep gradients, narrow corridors, and sudden weather shifts, making it one of the most dangerous stretches in the Himalayas.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh expressed deep concern over the tragedy, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in the region. Currently, the Zojila Tunnel is under construction, aimed at providing year-round connectivity between Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, and Leh, which could dramatically transform travel conditions.
Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time through the pass from hours to just 15-20 minutes, providing a safe, weather-proof corridor. This development could prevent such tragedies in the future, but for now, the focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of vehicles trapped under the avalanche, but the urgency of the situation is clear. The region’s harsh winter conditions continue to pose significant risks to travelers.
