Vehicular Movement Suspended on Bandipora–Gurez Road After Fresh Snowfall, Snow Also Reported in Sonamarg and Zojila

Bandipora, KNT: Authorities on Monday temporarily suspended vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road following fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, the gateway to Gurez Valley. Officials said the move was taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of travellers.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad, confirmed that the 84-kilometre-long Bandipora–Gurez road has been closed for traffic movement after fresh snowfall occurred in the higher reaches. “We have halted the movement of vehicles as a safety precaution. The situation is being closely monitored, and the road will be reopened once the weather improves,” the SDM said.

The Razdan Pass, often referred to as the gateway to Gurez Valley, witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Monday, bringing a sudden dip in temperature and marking the early onset of winter in north Kashmir’s higher reaches.

The snowfall, though light, painted the mountain slopes of Razdan Top in white, adding scenic charm to the region while also signaling the beginning of the harsh cold season ahead. According to officials, the Bandipora–Gurez road, which stretches about 84 kilometres and serves as the sole surface link between Gurez and the district headquarters, was temporarily suspended for the traffic.

Locals in Gurez expressed both delight and concern at the early snowfall. “The valley looks breathtaking after the first snow, but it also means our long winter isolation is near,” said Abdul Rahman, a local from Dawar. The area remains cut off from the rest of the Valley for several months during winter due to heavy snowfall that blocks the Razdan route.

The Meteorological Department has forecast more light precipitation over the upper reaches in the coming days, advising travellers to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary movement along high-altitude routes. Authorities have also appealed to locals to stay updated through official weather advisories and ensure early winter preparedness.

Meanwhile, snowfall has also been reported at Zojila and the upper reaches of Sonamarg in central Kashmir. A traffic official said that if snowfall continues, traffic on the Srinagar–Leh highway will also be suspended to prevent any untoward incidents.

The fresh spell of snow has led to a sharp dip in temperature, signalling the onset of the winter season in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have advised drivers to stay cautious and avoid travelling through mountainous routes until conditions become favourable. [KNT]