Razdan Pass

Razdan Pass, (sometimes Rajdhan Pass) is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas. It is in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir (union territory), India. Located on the way from Bandipora to Gurez Valley at the altitude of 11,667 ft above sea level, the pass connects the Kashmir Valley to its north. The pass remains closed for vehicular movement for over 3-4 months of Winter each year due to heavy snowfall.[1][2][3][4] This is the only route which connects Gurez with the rest of world.

Razdan Pass
Elevation3,556 m (11,667 ft)
LocationJammu and Kashmir, India
RangeHimalayas, Gratawat
Coordinates34.54123954621257°N 74.63673520185993°E / 34.54123954621257; 74.63673520185993
Location in Jammu and Kashmir
Razdan Pass (India)
Razdhan Pass in Snow

The pass connects dozens of remote and far-flung areas, including those near the Line of Control with district headquarters Bandipora in North Kashmir. Once an integral part of the Silk route between Kashmir and Central Asia, the offbeat road to Razdan Pass remains a strategically important link connecting the Gurez with the Kashmiri mainland.

Razdan Pass, which is the gateway to the mountainous Gurez valley, records around 10-15 feet snow during winter months and becomes the main reason for the closure of the road, thereby making the area inaccessible during the harsh conditions of winter months.[5]The road offers breathtaking views of the area. Not many people know the pass and hardly any tourists go this way.

The majestic Mount Harmukh is also visible from here, which is the highest peak in the surrounding area.

Razdan Pass Tunnel

Border Road Organisation (BRO) is planning to build Razdan Pass Tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The project involves the construction of an 18km tunnel between Gurez and Bandipore.[6] The project includes the construction of a road and related facilities, and the installation of ventilation system, fire protection system, safety management system and free-flow electronic tolling system.

In 2009, a proposal for construction of tunnel across the Razdan pass on Bandipora-Gurez road was submitted by Project BEACON to Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

In 2011, Geodata Engineering was appointed as the design engineering consultant to undertake feasibility studies, on-site investigation and advanced preliminary design on the project. Mount Geo Technical Services Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the consulting engineer.

In 2015, feasibility studies, on-site investigation and advanced preliminary design on the project completed.

In 2016, detail project report (DPR) was prepared and submitted to the Central Government for its approvals. The project was delayed for years due to financial issues.[7]

In April 2018, the project received preliminary approvals from the central government and currently, necessary formalities are under process to go ahead with the project development.[8]

References
  1. Hashim Iqbal Akhoon. "Gurez Valley receives fresh spell of Snowfall, movement halted at Razdhan Pass". JKYouth Newspaper. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  2. FAROOQI, OWAIS. "BRO crosses Razdan Pass to open Gurez-Bandipora road". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  3. Network, KL News. "Bandipora-Gurez Road To Remain Closed Tomorrow". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  4. correspondent, Reader. "Bandipora-Gurez Road reopens after 3 months". Kashmir Reader. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  5. "It's Autumn, and that means winter migration is underway in Gurez". Kashmir Images Newspaper. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  6. "India plans to build 10 tunnels in Ladakh, Kashmir region". South Asia Monitor. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  7. FAROOQI, OWAIS. "Proposed Gurez-Bandipora tunnel stuck at DPR stage". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  8. "Proposal for longest road tunnel at Gurez, others in pipeline". The Economic Times. Retrieved 14 February 2016.


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