The Border Roads Organisation, which is part of the Union Ministry of Defence, has built India’s highest motorable road, breaking Bolivia’s previous record.
The route travels across Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh at a height of 19,300 feet. The ministry said in a statement that it is a 52-kilometer black-topped road that connects many significant towns in the Chumar district of Eastern Ladakh.
Also read: Children who lost both their parents during Covid to get health insurance: Union Minister
According to the ministry, the road’s altitude is higher than the base camps of Mount Everest, with the South Base Camp in Nepal at 17,598 feet and the North Base Camp in Tibet at 16,900 feet. This road is substantially higher than the Siachen Glacier’s elevation of 17,700 feet.
This road is strategically important. With its formation, the Indian Army will be further strengthened in Eastern Ladakh. The strengthening of the Indian army in eastern Ladakh threatens China. This is the reason why he does not want India to strengthen its infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Now in the changed situation, the Indian Army is assuring China of its strength beyond the LAC.
Also read: Actor Arzoo Govitrikar Files For Divorce From Husband
The road would be also crucial in promoting tourism in Ladakh by providing an alternative direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh.
“Infrastructure development in such harsh and tough terrain is extremely challenging. During the winter, the temperature dips to -40 degrees and the oxygen level at this altitude is almost 50 per cent less than at normal places. The BRO has achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions,” the defence ministry said in its statement.
(With inputs from ANI)
