‘No tourist vehicle to be allowed beyond Sonamarg’

DC Ganderbal inspects Zojila road, urges safety measures after recent accidents

Ganderbal, Dec 08 : Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir on Friday carried out a comprehensive inspection of the Zojila pass, following the recent fatal accidents along the stretch.

Accompanied by SDM Kangan, Javaid Ahmad Rather, ARTO Ganderbal, Tehsildar Gund, SDPO Kangan, and OC (Officer Commanding) BEACON, the DC inspected road conditions and directed the implementation of immediate safety measures to prevent future mishaps, an official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

During the visit, the DC examined vulnerable spots on the Zojila road stretch and issued instructions to BEACON authorities for the prompt implementation of necessary safety measures. Authorities briefed the DC on the immediate safety measures already in place, including the installation of Hesco barriers with reflecting tapes, signages, reflecting mirrors, etc.

The ongoing project for long-term measures, such as retaining walls and permanent crash barriers, is scheduled for completion next year.

Expressing sorrow over recent tragic road accidents on Zojila pass, the Deputy Commissioner instructed BEACON authorities to conduct thorough trial runs before allowing traffic towards the pass. He directed for prominently displaying speed limits at key locations.

A discussion was also held on cutoff timing from Sonamarg upward and Minimarg downward, leading to a decision to restrict tourist vehicles beyond Sonamarg starting Saturday.

Shyambir appealed to all commuters to strictly adhere to road safety measures, avoiding rush driving on Zojila pass. OC BEACON assured of implementing both short-term and long-term safety measures on this critical stretch of road, the official said—(KNO)