In a significant development, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully established crucial ‘connectivity’ along the 298-kilometer Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh, marking a pivotal advancement in the region’s strategic infrastructure.
“This achievement heralds the emergence of the third axis to the strategically vital Ladakh region, complementing the existing Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes. This enhanced the progress of work,” BRO chief Lt-General Raghu Srinivasan said on Tuesday. “We have now established connectivity on this vital axis. Soon, we will start work on black topping the road. With construction of Shinkun La tunnel also commencing, the third all-weather axis to Ladakh will be established,” he added. The arduous task of establishing connectivity along the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road was facilitated by leveraging the natural advantage of the frozen Zanskar river in January. BRO capitalised on the frozen river’s surface to transport equipment and personnel, enabling the establishment of additional attack points along the route.
The magnitude of this accomplishment is underscored by the approval granted by the Prime Minister-led cabinet committee on security in February last year for the construction of a twin-tube tunnel spanning 4.1 kilometres beneath the formidable Shinkun La pass. Anticipated to be completed within the next two years, this tunnel, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,681 crore, will provide ‘alternative’ all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, further enhancing the region’s strategic accessibility. The 298-km road will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil-Leh highway. “The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road derives its strategic importance from the fact that it is not only shorter vis-a-vis the other two axes, but also crosses only one pass, Shinkun La,” an officer said.
The successful establishment of connectivity along the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road represents a monumental achievement for the BRO, epitomising years of unwavering dedication, perseverance, and resilience exhibited by its personnel amidst the formidable challenges posed by Ladakh’s rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. This accomplishment not only enhances the region’s connectivity but also serves as a significant bolster to India’s defence preparedness along its northern borders, particularly in the context of the complex geopolitical dynamics with China. Against the backdrop of relentless efforts by BRO personnel, who braved sub-zero temperatures and navigated treacherous terrain to achieve this feat, the nation celebrates the culmination of their tireless endeavours. This milestone underscores the BRO’s unwavering commitment to advancing India’s strategic infrastructure and fortifying its defence capabilities in critical border regions.
