Leh, Apr 21: Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, announced that work on the strategically vital Shinku La Tunnel is set to commence in June this year, with completion expected by the end of 2025. The 4.1-kilometer tunnel, situated on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link, aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh, significantly enhancing security measures with unhindered access for the Indian Army to regions bordering China and Pakistan.
Upon completion, the Shinku La Tunnel, piercing through the formidable Shinkula Pass at an elevation of 16,580 feet, will claim the title of the world’s highest motorable tunnel. This engineering marvel will not only facilitate smoother military movements but also pave the way for year-round civilian and tourist traffic between Manali, Darcha, Leh, and beyond.
Member Parliament Ladakh Union Territory Jamyang Tsering Wrote on ‘X’ Platform Heartiest Congratulations: Work on Shinkunla Tunnel to begin in June 2024 to provide all weather road connectivity to Ladakh by the end of 2025. Contract of Rs. 1700 crore awarded to Border Roads Organisation.
The project, with a budget of Rs. 1700 crore, has been entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation, aiming to streamline transportation of heavy machinery to strategic locations such as Kargil, Siachen, and the Line of Control (LOC). Colonel Vikas Gulia, Director of the Joint Project, highlighted that the tunnel will effectively reduce travel distances by approximately 100 kilometers, alleviating the challenges posed by high-altitude passes like Baralacha, Nakilla, Tanglangla, and Lachungla.
Furthermore, the Shinku La Tunnel will foster year-round connectivity between the Zanskar and Lahaul valleys, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering infrastructure in border areas of the Union Territory of Ladakh and neighboring Himachal Pradesh. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance road connectivity and ensure its availability throughout the year, reinforcing India’s strategic position in the region.
