Bandipora-Gurez road reopens for one-way traffic amidst weather challenges

SRINAGAR — Authorities have successfully restored one-sided traffic on the Bandipora-Gurez road, allowing the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) in the Gurez to Bandipora direction. The reopening comes after the road was temporarily closed due to the accumulation of snow.

In a coordinated effort, authorities managed to clear the road, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic for LMVs. The decision to permit one-way traffic was made to address the challenges posed by the recent snowfall in the region.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued predictions for the upcoming weather in Jammu and Kashmir. According to an official from MeT, isolated to scattered precipitation is expected in the next 24 hours. This will be followed by fairly widespread light to moderate rain and snow across the region.

In the past 24 hours, there has been reported light rain and snow at a few higher reaches, with the weather expected to remain generally partly to cloudy on January 27. Towards late evening, there is a possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches.

From January 28 to 29, the weather is anticipated to be generally cloudy, with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow in many places. Further, from January 30 to 31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many locations.

The MeT official emphasized that this weather system may lead to temporary road closures in higher reaches and significant passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, especially from January 28 to 31. Travellers are strongly advised to plan accordingly.

In terms of temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.3°C, showing a decrease from the previous night’s minus 0.5°C. Other areas like Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, and Gulmarg also experienced varying degrees of temperature changes.

Jammu, on the other hand, recorded a milder night at 7.0°C. The MeT official urged residents and travellers to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and take necessary precautions.