The new road connectivity will usher in socio-economic benefits for the locals, besides providing a strategic advantage to the country.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has created history by constructing an alternate highway crisscrossing through an altitude of 16,600 feet to connect Ladakh with Manali via Zanaskar in Kargil district.
Project Vijayak of BRO has constructed the road network while cutting through tough mountains into a motorable road. It is expected to enhance inter-state connectivity with Himachal Pradesh.
The new road connectivity will usher in socio-economic benefits for the locals, besides providing a strategic advantage to the country. This will be the third axis to Ladakh region after Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh routes.
BRO officials said that the initial trekking path connected Jammu and Kashmir at Padum in Kargil's Zanskar to Darcha in Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh through Shinkula pass. Lahaul valley has been widened and converted into a motorable road now.
Darcha lies 32 km ahead of Keylong on the Manali-Leh highway. The distance from Darcha to Padum is 148 km. Officials said connectivity between Padum and Darcha was achieved in October this year due to relentless efforts of BRO personnel. In the first phase, connectivity was planned between Padum to Shinkula — a total distance of 104 km.
"Despite of limited working season and difficult terrain, formation cutting was completed by October this year. The only task remaining was construction of 160-ft Bailey Bridge near Purnia village at the junction of Phutkal and Tshrap river," said Colonel Rajeev Lohani, Commander, 762 BRTF.
Col Lohani noted that with early snowfall this year and temperatures dipping down to -15°C, the construction of the bridge was a major challenge, which was overcome by the determination of BRO personnel in Padum Sector.
Despite the challenges posed by low temperatures and reduced air pressure, rocks and surfaces as high as 15 metre were cut, he said, adding that these areas have no telecommunication facilities available, making things even more difficult.
The 126 RCC successfully launched 160-ft Bailey Bridge, which now connects the villages of Char, Purnia, Kuru, Kurgiak with the mainland population in this sector.
Ray Of Hope
- The new high-altitude road connectivity will usher in socio-economic benefits for the locals, besides providing a strategic advantage to the country.
- This will be the third axis to Ladakh region after Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh routes.
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