Commencing a new feat in infrastructure development, India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has embarked on the construction of a high-altitude road in Ladakh. This ambitious project aims to establish a new record for the world's highest motorable road pass, surpassing its own previous achievement. The significant initiative, which commenced on the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day, is taking shape in the Demchok area of the Ladakh region.

The project is underway in Eastern Ladakh, as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) takes on the construction of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road, situated near Hanle. This forthcoming 64-kilometer road holds the promise of reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively. Once completed, its zenith will be perched at an astonishing altitude of 19,400 feet, firmly securing its position as the world's highest motorable road.

Remarkably, this upcoming feat will unseat the reigning record holder, the Umling La road, also masterfully constructed by the BRO in Ladakh, at an elevation of 19,024 feet. Notably, the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road is set to forge a vital connection between Likaru and Fukche, spanning a total of 52 kilometers. Unlike its predecessor, which hugs the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the contested border delineating India and China? This new venture maintains a distance of three kilometers from the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

“On the occasion of 77th Independence Day @BROindia starts construction on yet another strategic road, Road Likaru-Mig La-Fukche. This road will pass through an altitude of 19,400 feet and will be the world’s highest motorable road surpassing the Umling La Pass,” said BRO, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Amid a persistent military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Ladakh sector, the construction of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road has commenced. This development occurs against the backdrop of over three years of ongoing tension between the two nations. Numerous rounds of talks, including a Major-General level meeting, have been conducted in an effort to address the lingering issues in specific areas such as Depsang Plains and CNN Junction near Demchok.

The focus is also on disengagement at the border and the 19th round of discussions between the China-India Corps Commanders, which transpired at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in the Leh district of Ladakh, designated as a Union Territory of India is an effort in the same direction. These dialogues have been pivotal in the ongoing effort to resolve the remaining friction points between the two sides amidst the challenging circumstances in the region.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry Director General BRO, said that the upcoming road will also “help in the deployment of troops at the earliest if any critical situation arises.”

“On 15th August BRO started a road connecting Likru, Mig-La and Phukche at a height of 19400 ft,” said the BRO official.

Addressing the developments on the infrastructure front, the official mentioned that the Indian Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Sela tunnel in the near future. This tunnel, touted as the "highest and longest bi-lane tunnel in the world," holds a significant place in India's upcoming projects.

The official conveyed, "We are also poised to commence work on the Shinku La tunnel, which is slated to become the highest of its kind, surpassing the current record held by the Mi La tunnel located in China." Additionally, it was noted that the Nyoma Airfield, upon completion, will ascend to being one of the highest airfields globally. These projects collectively underscore India's pursuit of infrastructural achievements on a remarkable scale.

Image source: HT