India has set a new world record by constructing the highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in Ladakh’s eastern sector, at an altitude of 19,400 feet (5,913 metres). The project, executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank, showcases India’s exceptional engineering capability in extreme altitudes and brings strategic, social, and economic benefits to one of the country’s most remote regions.

The new road surpasses the previous record held by the Umling La Pass, reaffirming India’s dominance in high-altitude infrastructure development. At this elevation, Mig La Pass now stands taller than iconic mountaineering landmarks such as the Everest South Base Camp (17,598 feet) and the North Base Camp (16,900 feet).

Linking the Hanle region with Fukche village, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the Indo-China border, the road is of immense strategic significance. The feat was led by Brigadier Vishal Srivastava, who oversaw construction in one of the most inhospitable terrains on Earth.

BRO engineers and workers battled sub-zero temperatures, frequent snowstorms, and a lack of oxygen—less than half that available at sea level—to complete the project. Despite these extreme conditions, the team’s resilience and precision turned what once seemed impossible into a remarkable engineering achievement.

The Mig La Pass road offers all-weather connectivity to border villages such as Hanle and Fukche, which were previously cut off during harsh winters. The route now ensures access to essential supplies, healthcare, education, and creates new opportunities for tourism and local trade, transforming life for residents in these isolated Himalayan communities.

Strategically, the project carries critical defence advantages, allowing for faster troop mobility, efficient supply lines, and enhanced border security along the LAC. The road strengthens India’s capability to maintain a robust presence in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Completion of the project underlines the BRO’s unmatched expertise in mountain engineering and reflects India’s determination to push the boundaries of innovation in one of the world’s toughest environments.

The Mig La Pass road stands as a symbol of national pride and perseverance, representing not only a technological milestone but also India’s commitment to empowering remote Himalayan communities while reinforcing its sovereign and strategic frontiers.