Srinagar: Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, The Chinar Corps Commander, declared the Razdhan pass open on 20 May 14, thereby re establishing the road link between Gurez and Kashmir Valley. Razdhan Pass, located at an altitude of 11700 feet, is a vital bottleneck, the opening of which results in enabling the life line to Gurez and mitigate the hardships of the local populace.
Gurez is connected to Kashmir valley by a single road from Bandipore which runs across the Razdhan pass at an altitude of 11700 feet. Owing to heavy snow fall and large number of avalanches and snow slides in the area, this single artery remains cut off for many months during winter every year.
According to an army statement issued to KNS, the pass was declared open by Chinar Corps Commander on 20 May 2014 at 1100hrs. In addition to various civil dignitaries like Doctor Shah Faesal, DC Bandipura, numerous civil administration officials of Gurez and many Army officials were also present.
On the occasion, the Corps Commander addressed the gathering, and while complimenting the Border Roads Organization and civil labour, gave away prizes to a select few for their contribution. The Air Force was also complimented for its efforts involved in air maintenance of Gurez during the harsh winter gone by, in which nearly 450 civilians were air lifted between Gurez and Bandipore. He also complimented the Army authorities in Gurez for facilitating and organizing casualty evacuation of approximately 45 civil patients including nearly 20 pregnant women. During these trying times, the Army had been going out of the way to extend all possible assistance to the local population by way of medical aid, Khairiyat patrols and cooperation in all other spheres of activity.