Shopian, Feb 26 — Authorities on Thursday ordered the reopening of the historic Mughal Road for vehicular traffic from Friday, February 27, following the clearance of heavy snow along the high-altitude stretch linking south Kashmir with the Pir Panchal region.
As per official orders issued by the district administrations of Shopian and Poonch, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be permitted to ply between Bufliaz and Peer Ki Gali from 11 am to 3 pm, subject to favourable weather conditions and the absence of any disruptions.
The reopening comes after the Officer Commanding, 79 RCC (GREF), recommended resumption of traffic upon completion of snow clearance operations on the Bufliaz–Peer Ki Gali stretch, considered among the most avalanche-prone segments of the route.
Officials said traffic movement will initially remain regulated and restricted to daytime hours to ensure commuter safety. “Vehicular movement will be allowed strictly as per advisories issued by the Traffic Police and only under suitable weather conditions,” an official said.
To minimise risks from avalanches, landslides and shooting stones, the 79 RCC (GREF) has been directed to maintain adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable points. Continuous monitoring of sensitive stretches will be carried out, officials added.
The Senior Superintendents of Police of Poonch and Traffic Rural Jammu, along with district officials in Shopian, have been instructed to deploy sufficient personnel at key checkpoints, including Behramgalla, Bufliaz and Poshana, to regulate traffic flow and enforce timing restrictions.
Residents of Shopian and the Pir Panchal region welcomed the decision, calling the road a vital link that reconnects families, eases access to essential supplies and shortens travel time between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. Many expressed hope that the route would remain operational for longer durations in the coming years.
The Mughal Road, officially designated as NH-701A, serves as an alternate axis connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts. Beyond its strategic importance, the route holds historical value, tracing the path once used by Mughal emperors.
Authorities have advised commuters to plan their journeys carefully, remain alert to official traffic updates and avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather to ensure safety on the mountainous terrain.