+
Border projects top priority as third route to Leh nears completion
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Border projects top priority as third route to Leh nears completion

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is nearing the completion of critical infrastructure projects along the India-China border, with a focus on enhancing connectivity to Leh via a new all-weather route. These efforts are part of a broader push to bolster border infrastructure, particularly in Ladakh and the northeastern regions of India.

Among the key projects is the construction of road patches on an alternative route to Leh, which aims to ensure year-round connectivity. The first two traditional routes to Leh?via Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil and Manali-Rohtang?currently lack all-weather access. The new route, which is in the final stages of completion, will provide a third option, significantly improving access to the region.

The BRO is also advancing work on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, with only a 4-kilometre section left to complete. Additionally, construction is set to begin on the 4.1-kilometre Shinku La tunnel, which, at 15,800 feet, will be the world's highest tunnel. This tunnel will further reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 kilometers.

In parallel, the BRO is prioritising the establishment of connectivity to roads running parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. One such project is the Leh-Demchok road, where much of the construction has already been completed, with plans to eventually upgrade these roads to double lanes.

Since 2020, the pace of infrastructure development in border areas has accelerated, reflecting the strategic importance of these regions. The increased focus on road, bridge, tunnel, and other infrastructure projects is intended to enhance troop mobility and readiness in case of any operational situation along the LAC.

The BRO's budget has also seen a substantial increase, with a 30% hike this fiscal year to Rs 65 billion, underscoring the government's commitment to these projects.

Among the projects under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) programme are four critical roads in Arunachal Pradesh, totalling 330.95 kilometers. These roads are part of the first two phases of the ICBR, which were initially conceptualised in the late 1990s and cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 1999. The program includes the construction of 73 strategic roads along the India-China border, spanning over 4,600 kilometers.

Looking ahead, the BRO plans to submit detailed project reports for 14 more roads under ICBR Phase III, focusing on critical link roads to the LAC in eastern Ladakh and key areas in Arunachal Pradesh.

Additionally, work is progressing on the nearly 1,800-kilometer frontier highway in Arunachal Pradesh, which will connect key locations near the Myanmar border. Central funds of over Rs 60 billion have been allocated for portions of this highway.

Other priority projects include the Sungal tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir, and the final connectivity to the Lipulekh Pass on the Mansarovar Yatra road, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time in strategically important areas. (The Indian Express)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is nearing the completion of critical infrastructure projects along the India-China border, with a focus on enhancing connectivity to Leh via a new all-weather route. These efforts are part of a broader push to bolster border infrastructure, particularly in Ladakh and the northeastern regions of India. Among the key projects is the construction of road patches on an alternative route to Leh, which aims to ensure year-round connectivity. The first two traditional routes to Leh?via Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil and Manali-Rohtang?currently lack all-weather access. The new route, which is in the final stages of completion, will provide a third option, significantly improving access to the region. The BRO is also advancing work on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, with only a 4-kilometre section left to complete. Additionally, construction is set to begin on the 4.1-kilometre Shinku La tunnel, which, at 15,800 feet, will be the world's highest tunnel. This tunnel will further reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 kilometers. In parallel, the BRO is prioritising the establishment of connectivity to roads running parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. One such project is the Leh-Demchok road, where much of the construction has already been completed, with plans to eventually upgrade these roads to double lanes. Since 2020, the pace of infrastructure development in border areas has accelerated, reflecting the strategic importance of these regions. The increased focus on road, bridge, tunnel, and other infrastructure projects is intended to enhance troop mobility and readiness in case of any operational situation along the LAC. The BRO's budget has also seen a substantial increase, with a 30% hike this fiscal year to Rs 65 billion, underscoring the government's commitment to these projects. Among the projects under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) programme are four critical roads in Arunachal Pradesh, totalling 330.95 kilometers. These roads are part of the first two phases of the ICBR, which were initially conceptualised in the late 1990s and cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 1999. The program includes the construction of 73 strategic roads along the India-China border, spanning over 4,600 kilometers. Looking ahead, the BRO plans to submit detailed project reports for 14 more roads under ICBR Phase III, focusing on critical link roads to the LAC in eastern Ladakh and key areas in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, work is progressing on the nearly 1,800-kilometer frontier highway in Arunachal Pradesh, which will connect key locations near the Myanmar border. Central funds of over Rs 60 billion have been allocated for portions of this highway. Other priority projects include the Sungal tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir, and the final connectivity to the Lipulekh Pass on the Mansarovar Yatra road, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time in strategically important areas. (The Indian Express)

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RVNL Completes Survey for Purple Line’s Eden Gardens Stretch

In a major development for Kolkata’s metro commuters, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has completed the survey for a 1.6-kilometre extension of the Purple Line from Esplanade to Eden Gardens. The survey followed a special clearance from Raj Bhavan, as the alignment will run close to the Governor’s residence lawns before reaching the site of the fifth underground station of the corridor.Officials noted that such surveys are essential to assess terrain, soil conditions, and project feasibility, which ultimately shape construction techniques and costs.Currently, the Purple Line spans 14.4 kil..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Bengaluru Metro Plan May Impact 11,000 Trees

Bengaluru Metro’s upcoming Phase-3 expansion may affect over 11,000 trees across the city, as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to build two elevated lines. While some trees may be transplanted, others are likely to be felled. The final alignment is yet to be confirmed.BMRCL has invited public feedback through a series of consultations over three days, encouraging citizens to express their concerns and suggestions regarding the proposed plans. Senior Metro officials will lead these discussions.Concerns have already emerged from various quarters. Environmentalists and..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Noida to Set Up 100 Auto Stands to Ease Traffic

The Noida transport department will establish around 100 designated auto-rickshaw stands across the district to ease congestion and enhance last-mile public transport access, officials announced on Monday. The initiative is aimed at reducing unauthorised parking and streamlining movement near metro stations and other key transit points.A meeting involving transport stakeholders and traffic police is scheduled for 26 July to finalise pick-up and drop-off zones along high-demand routes. “Once the locations are confirmed, signage and other necessary infrastructure will be installed,” said Siy..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?