Mughal road to reopen in coming days as snow clearance completed, say officials
DC Shopian, Poonch conduct review at Peer Ki Gali
Srinagar: The historic Mughal Road, connecting the Kashmir Valley’s Shopian district with the Pir Panchal region in Jammu, is set to reopen in the next few days, officials said, as snow clearance work along the route nears completion.
Officials from both Shopian and Poonch, including Deputy Commissioners, conducted a joint review at Peer Ki Gali on Friday to assess the condition of the road and readiness for vehicular movement.
The Mughal Road, which was closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, has remained shut, causing significant hardships to residents on both sides.
Locals from Shopian, Hirpora, Dubjan, Buffliaz, Thanamandi, and adjoining villages in Poonch and Rajouri have been demanding the reopening of the road, citing the long detours they must currently take to reach each other.
“The closure of the road has severely impacted trade, education, and social connections,” said a resident of Dubjan.
“Many families have relatives on either side of the Pir Panchal, and with Eid approaching the closure has caused emotional and logistical distress.”
Students studying at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri, many of whom hail from Kashmir have been facing problems due to delays in reopening of the road.
Although the road was granted National Highway status in 2016 and handed over to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) last year, the long-promised tunnel to make the route all-weather is yet to materialize.
An official involved in the review said that the snow clearance is now complete, and a final decision regarding the reopening will be announced shortly.
Residents have once again urged the government to expedite the process and ensure the Mughal Road is made operational year-round to ease the suffering of thousands who rely on it.
