The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved a remarkable milestone by constructing the world’s highest motorable road, situated at an astounding altitude of 19,400 feet at Mig La Pass in the Leh district of Ladakh. This new achievement eclipses the previous Guinness World Record held by BRO at Umling La, which stands at 19,024 feet.
The newly inaugurated road is part of the Likaru–Mig La–Fukche alignment and was celebrated with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Brigadier Vishal Srivastava, Chief Engineer of Project Himank. During the event, the Indian national flag and the BRO flag were unfurled at Mig La Pass, symbolizing this historic engineering accomplishment.
The strategic importance of this road cannot be overstated. It provides a vital third route from Hanle to Fukche, a remote village located near the India–China border. This enhanced connectivity is expected to significantly bolster military logistics while promoting greater accessibility and development in the challenging high-altitude region.
BRO highlighted that its teams have constructed 11 of the world’s 14 highest motorable passes, further cementing its reputation as a leader in high-altitude road engineering. The new Mig La Pass is not only important for defense purposes; it is also anticipated to attract adventure tourists and travelers, who will be drawn to the stunning views of the Indus Valley and the region’s challenging terrains.
Since its inception in 1960 under the Ministry of Defence, BRO has consistently taken the lead in building strategic road networks across India’s border regions and in partner countries. Its significant achievements include:
– Constructing over 60,000 kilometers of roads and more than 1,000 bridges in some of the most difficult terrains.
– Completing the Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet, which ensures year-round connectivity to Ladakh.
– Implementing infrastructure projects in countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
– Providing essential support during natural disasters, facilitating rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
The completion of this high-altitude road not only emphasizes BRO’s unparalleled engineering capabilities but also underlines its dedication to enhancing India’s strategic preparedness while promoting development and tourism in the remote Himalayan regions.
