Historic Breakthrough: Mughal Road Opens in February for First Time After Record Snow Clearance

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DG MoRTH Reviews NH Projects; All-Weather Tunnel Plan Gains Momentum

RAJOURI FEBRUARY 20:-In a historic milestone, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Thursday successfully completed snow clearance on National Highway-701A (Mughal Road), making the strategic Peer Ki Gali pass operational in February for the first time ever.

The vital mountain corridor connecting Bafliaz in Poonch district with Shopian in South Kashmir usually reopens in April or May due to heavy snowfall. This year’s early restoration marks a significant achievement in winter road maintenance and connectivity.

The snow clearance operation was undertaken simultaneously by Project Sampark from the Bafliaz side and Project Beacon from the Shopian side. Despite extreme weather conditions and heavy snow accumulation, BRO teams ensured timely restoration of the road.
The highway was formally opened by V. K. Rajawat, Director General (Road Development) and Special Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), during his two-day visit to the Union Territory. Chief Engineers and senior officials of both projects were present on the occasion.

Rajawat commended the BRO personnel for their dedication and professionalism in executing the challenging task under severe winter conditions.

He further informed that substantial progress has been made in the proposed widening and upgradation of Mughal Road into an all-weather axis through the construction of a proposed 10-km-long tunnel. The road alignment has been endorsed by the UT government and is currently under examination at MoRTH, while geotechnical surveys for the tunnel alignment are expected to begin shortly.
Reviewing the Akhnoor–Poonch Road (NH-144A) project, Rajawat stated that out of eight packages, two have been completed, four are expected to be completed by June this year, and one by the end of 2026. The 16-km Manjakote–BG Tunnel package is slated for completion in 2027 due to geotechnical challenges.

Of the four tunnels on the corridor, the Kandi and Nowshera tunnels are already open to traffic. The 2.79-km Sungal Tunnel is likely to be operational by June, while excavation of around 400 metres has been completed on the 1.1-km BG Tunnel. Several completed bridges will be opened after mandatory load and safety tests.

Although snow clearance on Mughal Road has been completed and the highway is traffic-worthy, snow accumulation remains on adjoining slopes at vulnerable stretches.

Authorities have cautioned that avalanche risks cannot be entirely ruled out under prevailing weather conditions.
Commuters have been advised to exercise extreme caution while travelling. Traffic movement may be regulated depending on weather and safety assessments. The public has been urged to strictly follow advisories issued by the district administrations of Poonch and Shopian to ensure safe passage.
Further updates will follow.