Kunzum Pass thrown open to light vehicles

Dipender Manta

Mandi, May 6

The BRO has opened the Kunzum Pass for light vehicles from Lahaul to Kaza via Gramphu, giving a sigh of relief to the people of the Spiti valley.

The road had been closed since November after heavy snowfall which had blocked the traffic movement from the Lahaul side toward Kaza.

However, the road was yet to be widened for the movement of buses and only light vehicles have been allowed to move.

Padma Dorje, Zila Parishad member, Kaza, told The Tribune on the phone, “The BRO on Saturday opened the pass for light vehicles.”

“We have urged the BRO to widen the road as soon as possible which will help the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to run its bus service between Lahaul and Kaza to facilitate the people of the region with the better transportation facility,” he said.

Mangal Chand Manepa, Regional Manager, HRTC depot, Keylong in Lahaul Spiti, said, “We will conduct a survey within two days to assess the condition of the road to run a bus.”

Confirming the development, Rajiv Kumar, BRO Commander, said “Despite accumulation of heavy snow, we have opened the Kunzum Pass for light vehicles and now the road widening work is going on to make it smooth for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus service.”

The Kunzum Pass (15,060 ft) is a high mountain peak on the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas, some 122 km from Manali. It connects Kullu and Lahaul valley with the Spiti valley.