BRO connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024.
Enhancing Connectivity BRO Completes Crucial Road in Ladakh
BRO connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024. This 298-km road will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil – Leh Highway. The road is now the third axis apart from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh which connects Ladakh to the hinterland. Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road derives its strategic importance from the fact that it is not only shorter vis-a-vis the other two axes, but crosses only one pass; Shinkun La (16,558 feet) on which tunnel work is about to commence by BRO.
This will result in the road having all weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. The connectivity will strengthen the defence preparedness and provide a boost to the economic development in the Zanskar valley.
DG Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan said that in January, when the River Zansakar was frozen, the equipment and personnel were mobilised and the work of establishing the connectivity was completed.
Strategic Importance of Ladakh
The strategic importance of Ladakh cannot be overstated, given its proximity to disputed borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Key areas like Kargil, Siachen, and Daulat Beg Oldi highlight the region’s significance in national security considerations In light of the escalating tensions and heavy military deployments along the border since the 2020 standoff, the completion of crucial infrastructure projects like the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road assumes even greater significance. Roads play a vital role in sustaining logistical support and troop mobility, thereby reinforcing India’s defense posture in the region.
Border Roads Organisation
The Border Roads Organisation is a statutory body under the ownership of the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India. BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
Founded: 7 May 1960
Headquarters: New Delhi
Parent organization: Ministry of Defence
Subsidiaries: Project Dantak, Project Shivalik
Director General: Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan
