Shinku La Tunnel:
The Border Roads Organisation will construct the world’s highest tunnel at Shinku La Pass at 16,580 feet to connect Himachal to Zanskar valley in Ladakh.
- The developments come at a time when the military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh has entered its fifth year, with no indication of a resolution to the outstanding problems along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- The Shinku La tunnel is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the border areas of Ladakh.
- The tunnel will be constructed at an altitude of over 16,500 feet.
- It is situated on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road link, which connects Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
- The construction of this tunnel is expected to be completed by 2025.
- The primary purpose of the Shinku La tunnel is to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
- It will facilitate the swift movement of troops and heavy weaponry to forward areas.
- It will provide the Indian military access to the border areas of Ladakh from the Himachal side
- The completion of this project will improve the financial condition of Zanskar Valley residents by giving impetus to tourism.
- It will significantly enhance connectivity and security in the region.
