POONCH, April 16, 2025 – The historic Mughal Road, an 84-km stretch connecting Kashmir Valley’s Shopian district with the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu, reopened for one-way traffic on April 15, 2025, after a four-month closure due to heavy snowfall. The reopening of this vital alternate route to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway brings relief to residents and travelers, facilitating connectivity between the Pir Panjal region and Kashmir Valley.
The road was closed in December 2024 following intense snowfall, particularly in high-altitude areas like Pir Ki Gali, which made the route impassable. Snow clearance operations, overseen by joint teams of Poonch and Shopian’s civil and police administrations, faced challenges due to persistent adverse weather. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Poonch Vikas Kundal, alongside DC Shopian, inspected the operations on April 10, ensuring all necessary measures for safe travel. Light motor vehicles are now permitted to ply from Behramgalla-Buffliaz in Poonch toward Shopian between 10 am and 2 pm on alternate days, as the road remains narrow in some sections due to ongoing maintenance.
The reopening has been welcomed by locals, who rely on the route for economic and social connectivity. A Poonch-based cab operator expressed optimism, stating, “This will boost our earnings and ease travel to Kashmir Valley.” Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s announcement of a Rs 5,000-crore tunnel project at Pir Ki Gali aims to transform Mughal Road into an all-weather route, addressing recurring winter closures.
Traffic police have advised commuters to adhere to advisories, as snow clearance and road-widening efforts continue. The Mughal Road, historically used by Mughal emperors to access Kashmir, remains a critical link, easing pressure on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, which often faces disruptions due to landslides.
The meteorological department reported that a weak western disturbance caused the heavy snowfall this winter, with Pir Panjal’s high-altitude areas receiving significant accumulation. With the road now operational, authorities are prioritizing safety, restricting heavy vehicles and monitoring weather conditions closely.
For updates on traffic and advisories, commuters can follow the Traffic Department’s announcements on X or contact local authorities. The reopening marks a significant step in restoring connectivity and supporting the region’s economy and mobility.
