BRO Reopens Zojila Pass in Record 32 Days

02 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully reopened Zojila Pass in a record 32 days, with Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, DG BRO, flagging off the first convoy towards Ladakh. The pass, a critical high-altitude link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, is one of the world's most challenging mountain routes.

This year, heavy snowfall from February 27 to March 16, caused by a Western Disturbance, led to an intense but short closure period. Despite the harsh sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and avalanche-prone terrain, BRO cleared the massive snow accumulation in just 15 days (March 17–31), ensuring an early reopening.

The Zojila Pass closure, which once lasted nearly six months, has now been reduced to just a few weeks due to BRO’s technological advancements and improved snow-clearance techniques. The pass is vital for the movement of troops, trade, essential supplies, and medical services for Ladakh’s residents.

BRO, through Project Beacon in Kashmir and Project Vijayak in Ladakh, remains committed to maintaining year-round connectivity on this strategic route, ensuring minimal disruptions and enhanced regional accessibility.

(PIB)

Infrastructure Energy

08 Apr 2026

Aroma Solar Launches 1.2 GW AI Solar Module Facility

Aroma Solar has commenced operations at its 1.2 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Karnal, marking North India’s first fully automated, AI-driven production line based on TOPCon technology. The plant strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities while aligning with India’s renewable energy ambitions.The facility has started producing TOPCon modules rated between 620 W and 635 W, with an efficiency of 23.51 per cent. Designed with a focus on process precision and module consistency, the plant integrates 100 per cent robotic automation with AI-based quality verification. This ensure..

Hindustan Zinc Deploys Tele-Remote Drilling at Rajpura Dariba

Hindustan Zinc has deployed an advanced tele-remote drilling system at its Rajpura Dariba mine in Rajasthan, strengthening its push towards digitally enabled and highly automated underground mining operations. The system allows engineers to operate drilling equipment remotely from the surface with real-time precision, improving both safety and efficiency.Currently effective across a range of 600 m and scalable up to 800 m, the technology delivers drilling speeds of around 60 m per hour. Supported by strong wireless connectivity, it enables continuous drilling across shifts, improving utilisati..

QCIL Begins Solar Shift Across Five Hospital Facilities

Quality Care India (QCIL) has signed agreements with AMPIN Energy and Radiance Renewables under its Group Captive Solar Initiative to procure renewable solar power for five facilities across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The move marks the first phase of the healthcare platform’s structured transition to sustainable energy.The initiative forms part of QCIL’s broader plan to shift 19 hospitals under CARE Hospitals and KIMS Health to renewable energy in phases. Phase I covers Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in Phase II, Kerala in Phase ..