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Source-This post on Shinku La tunnel has been created based on the article” BRO to complete 2 roads near China border, start work on world’s highest tunnel” published in “Hindustan Times” on 7 May 2024.
Why in the news?
The Border Roads Organisation is getting ready to start building the Shinku La tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel. This will create a reliable connection from Manali to Leh through the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha route.
About Shinku La tunnel
Description– This tunnel will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft, surpassing Mila tunnel in China at 15,590 ft.
Length– 4.1-km long
Location– Nimmu-Padam-Darcha route.
Constructed by– Border Roads Organisation
What is the significance of this tunnel?
1) The route via Nimmu-Padam-Darcha axis will provide third connectivity option to Ladakh. The tunnel will cut the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, bringing it down from 355 to 295 km. It is an alternative to the Manali-Leh-Kargil route.
2) It will fasten the transportation of large equipment to key areas like Kargil, Siachen and the Line of Control (LOC).
About Border Road Organization
Establishment: It was formed on 7 May, 1960, to secure India’s borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states of the country.
Functions– It develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. Since its inception, BRO has constructed 62,214 km of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields along India’s borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tajikistan
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