BRO Plans Tunnels for All-Weather Ladakh Access

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is in advanced planning stages to construct multiple tunnels and high-altitude passes in eastern Ladakh, aimed at ensuring all-weather road connectivity and strengthening strategic infrastructure to support defence logistics.

Col. Deepak Palande, Director (Works & Resources) of Project Himank, stated, “Ladakh is primarily connected by two national highways – NH 1 and NH 3. We are responsible for NH 3. The Rohtang tunnel is already operational, and we are now planning tunnels at key passes such as Baralacha and Tanglang.”

Tunnel alignments are close to final approval, with final surveys ongoing and detailed project reports (DPRs) to follow. Construction timelines are expected to range between five to seven years, depending on geological conditions.

The initiative also includes development of new high-altitude passes. Notable achievements include:

Umling La (19,024 ft), the world’s highest motorable pass – completed.

Mig La (19,400 ft) – under construction.

Marshimik La – operational.

Currently, eight of the world’s 14 highest motorable passes fall under Project Himank, significantly enhancing both defence mobility and regional connectivity in this strategically vital region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.