In a significant enhancement to border infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), an alternative route to the strategic Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector in Ladakh—free from Chinese surveillance—is set to be completed next year. Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 and the ensuing border tensions with China, India accelerated the construction of this vital road.

The 130-kilometre new route, running via Sasoma-Saser La-Saser Brangsa-Gapshan-DBO, offers a secure and faster alternative to the existing Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road, which is vulnerable to observation by Chinese forces.

This new road, developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), will reduce the distance between Leh and DBO by 79 km, cutting travel time sharply from two days to approximately 11–12 hours. The improved connectivity will allow India to deploy troops discreetly and enhance logistics in this sensitive border region.

Daulat Beg Oldie is home to the world’s highest airstrip at 16,614 feet and is strategically critical due to its proximity to the Karakoram Pass and the disputed Depsang area, where China has frequently challenged Indian territorial claims.

Defence officials noted that the BRO has upgraded nine bridges on the route from 40-tonne to 70-tonne load capacity to accommodate heavier vehicles and artillery. Successful trials with Bofors guns and other equipment have already been conducted.

Originating from Sasoma in Nubra Valley near the Siachen base camp, the new road enables direct access to DBO without detouring through Leh. BRO’s ‘Project Vijayak’ is responsible for the Sasoma to Saser Brangsa segment, while ‘Project Himank’ oversees construction to DBO. The project’s total estimated cost is Rs 500 million.

The construction faces formidable engineering challenges due to the terrain and extreme weather. Situated above 17,000 feet, the area experiences heavy snowfall and low oxygen levels, restricting construction to just five to six months per year. To aid workers, BRO has established “oxygen cafés” to ensure safety and efficiency.

Additionally, plans are underway for an 8-kilometre tunnel at Saser La (17,660 feet) to provide all-weather connectivity. Once completed, this tunnel will further strengthen the road’s strategic importance.