Keylong (PTI): With Rohtang pass remaining under snow, Border Roads Organisation officials are working overtime to open the road, which is gateway to Lahual and Spiti district, before Lok Sabha polls slated for May 13.

"Snow clearing work is going on a war-footing and we hope to open Rohtang Pass located at an altitude of 13050 feet by May one," S K Doon, BRO 7 RCC commander, who is engaged in the task, told PTI on Tuesday.

He, however, said a deadline cannot be given as in case of fresh snowfall more time would be needed for the task.

The 49.5 km Manali-Rohtang Pass and 54.3 km Lahual-Rohtang roads were closed for traffic on December 19 last after heavy snowfall. With the closure of road, government-run helicopter service is the only available mode of transport to reach the area.

Doon said three teams are engaged in the snow clearing task from Manali and Lahual sides. Fifty BRO officials and 250 labourers are involved in the gigantic exercise.

Last year, the pass was opened for traffic in mid-April.

With road link remaining snapped, campaigning in the district which forms part of Mandi Lok Sabha seat has been hampered.

Expressing hope that the pass will open before the polls, Deputy Commissioner of Lahual & Spiti C Paul Rasu said poll materials and essential items like fuel have already been transported by a chopper.

"We have stock of 20,000 litres diesel and 4000 litres of petrol which will be provided on a need basis," Rasu added.

Considering uncertainty of weather, heating arrangements have been made in schools which would work as polling stations, he said.

The problem in Lahual & Spiti, also known as 'cold desert' has been multiplied due to disturbed communication network because of breaking of optical fibre at 2-3 places at Rani Nallah near Rohtang Pass.

Deputy General Manager (DGM) of BSNL Rajan Kambhoj told PTI that since the area continues to remain under snow it is difficult to repair the broken fibre line.

Lahaul and Spiti along with tribal districts of Kinnaur and Chamba had the privilege to vote first in the first parliamentary election.

Anticipating snowfall, polling was conducted in these areas three months in advance in October 1951 itself, while the rest of the country voted in between December 1951 to February 1952, state election office sources said.