New Delhi: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024. This 298-kilometer road will serve as a vital link, connecting Manali to Leh via Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil-Leh Highway, marking the third axis apart from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh connecting Ladakh to the mainland.
The strategic significance of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road lies in its shorter distance compared to the other two axes, along with its minimal passes to navigate. The road traverses only one pass, Shinkun La, standing tall at 16,558 feet. Notably, tunnel work is set to commence soon by the BRO, ensuring all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. This enhanced connectivity is poised to fortify defense preparedness and stimulate economic development in the Zanskar valley.
Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of Border Roads, highlighted the swift progress made in establishing connectivity despite challenging conditions. He noted that mobilization of equipment and personnel during January, when the River Zanskar was frozen, facilitated the timely completion of the connectivity project. Lt. Gen. Srinivasan expressed confidence in commencing the black-topping of the road soon. Furthermore, with the commencement of tunnel construction at Shinkun La, the groundwork for the establishment of the third all-weather axis to Ladakh is underway, promising enhanced accessibility to the region.