Avalanche at Zojila Pass Kills Six, Injures Five; Vehicles Buried on Srinagar-Leh Highway
SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir — At least six people were killed and five others injured after a massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway on the Ladakh side of Zojila Pass on Friday, burying several vehicles under snow, officials said.
Authorities initially reported no fatalities, but said the death toll emerged during rescue operations when multiple vehicles were found completely buried beneath heavy snow and debris. Six people were recovered dead, while five others were pulled out alive with injuries and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The avalanche hit earlier in the day, trapping several passenger vehicles along the high-altitude route. The highway has since been closed as teams continue rescue and clearance efforts to remove debris and restore traffic.
The Srinagar-Leh Highway, also known as NH-1, is a 434-kilometer, two-lane road that serves as a critical link between Srinagar and Leh. The route, known for its rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes, passes through Zojila Pass at an elevation of about 11,575 feet.
Construction is currently underway on a major tunnel project beneath Zojila Pass that aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India. The tunnel will link Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district with Drass in Ladakh’s Kargil district.
The project features a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane tunnel measuring approximately 14.2 kilometers in length, 9.5 meters in width, and 7.57 meters in height, at an altitude of around 12,000 feet above sea level.
Along with the already operational Z-Morh Tunnel, the project is expected to ensure year-round access to Ladakh, boost tourism and economic activity, and strengthen logistical support for the armed forces.
The Zojila tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure push that includes 31 road tunnels across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with a combined estimated cost of about $17.5 billion. Once completed, it is expected to be the longest tunnel in Asia. (Source: IANS)
