7 killed, 5 injured as avalanche hits Zojila Pass, blocks Srinagar–Leh highway

The avalanche hit the Ladakh side of the pass, leading to the complete blockage of the Srinagar–Leh Highway—a critical route connecting Srinagar and Leh.

Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the Border Roads Organisation and local police working to clear debris and search for any survivors still trapped.

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, who is closely monitoring the situation, said he has directed officials in Kargil to reach the site immediately and coordinate relief efforts.

All government agencies, including disaster response forces, have been placed on high alert.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the casualties in a post on X, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and assuring that necessary assistance is being provided to the injured.

The Srinagar–Leh Highway, a 434-km-long stretch, passes through the high-altitude Zojila Pass at over 11,500 feet and is frequently affected by heavy snowfall and avalanches during winter.

To address these recurring disruptions, construction is underway on the Zojila Tunnel, a 14.2-km-long all-weather tunnel.

Once completed, it will provide safer, year-round connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India and is expected to be among the longest tunnels in Asia.