BRO to Begin Construction of World's Highest Tunnel "Shinku La" in September
The Shinku La tunnel, starting construction in mid-September, will be the world's highest tunnel at 15,800 feet, enhancing all-weather connectivity and military mobility between Manali and Leh. This 4.1-kilometer tunnel will reduce travel distance by 60 kilometers, supporting strategic operations in the Ladakh region.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to begin construction on the Shinku La tunnel in mid-September. This tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity from Manali to Leh via the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha axis. Situated at an altitude of 15,800 feet, it will become the world's highest tunnel, surpassing China’s Mila tunnel, which is at 15,590 feet.
Strategic Importance
The Shinku La tunnel, spanning 4.1 kilometers, will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 kilometers, cutting the current 355 kilometers down to 295 kilometers. This tunnel will serve as an alternative route to the traditional Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh roads. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road, which will be linked by this tunnel, is strategically significant as it crosses only one pass, the 16,615-foot Shinku La, making it shorter and potentially more reliable in adverse weather.
Enhancing Military Mobility
This development is crucial amid ongoing tensions between India and China in eastern Ladakh. The new route will improve military logistics and mobility, providing a third option for accessing Ladakh. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road, which achieved connectivity in March 2024 and is currently being blacktopped, will play a key role in ensuring rapid troop and supply movements.
BRO’s Recent Achievements
In the past three years, the BRO has completed 330 projects at a cost of ₹8,737 crore, significantly enhancing the strategic infrastructure along the border with China. Among these projects is the nearly completed 130-kilometer road from Sasoma in the Nubra Valley to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), India's northernmost military base near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This road will serve as an alternative to the existing 255-kilometer Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DS-DBO) road.
National Infrastructure Push
India has been accelerating its border infrastructure projects to support military operations and improve regional connectivity. The emphasis has been on speedy execution, increased spending, and the adoption of modern technologies. In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela tunnel project in Arunachal Pradesh, further enhancing the military’s readiness in the Tawang sector.
Conclusion
The construction of the Shinku La tunnel marks a significant step in strengthening India's border infrastructure and military capabilities. With its completion expected in four years, this tunnel will not only set a new record as the highest in the world but will also provide a vital, reliable route for military and civilian use in the strategically important region of Ladakh.
