BRO Approaches Completion of Major Projects at China Border

04 Sep 2024 CW Team

Leh can currently be reached via three routes. One route runs through Srinagar-Zoji La-Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir, while another traverses Manali-Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh. This second route splits at Darcha, offering one path to Leh via Padam and Nimu, and another that crosses several mountain passes, including Baralacha La in Himachal Pradesh and Tanglang La in Ladakh, before reaching Leh.

The BRO is concentrating on completing the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, with the final 4-kilometre stretch expected to be finished soon. In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Shinkun La Tunnel project, the world's highest at 15,800 feet, with full-scale construction anticipated to begin shortly. The Rs 16.81 billion tunnel will shorten the Manali-Leh route by 60 km and link the uncompleted section of the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, establishing a third all-weather route.

The BRO is also prioritizing the Leh-Demchok road in eastern Ladakh, with most of the work nearly complete and plans to expand it to a double-lane road. Since 2020, border infrastructure development in Ladakh and the Northeast has accelerated, with the BRO's budget increasing by 30 percent to Rs 6,500 crore this year.

Under the ICBR project's initial phases, the BRO has earmarked four roads totalling 330.95 km in Arunachal Pradesh. Plans are also in place to submit detailed project reports for 14 roads under ICBR phase III, focusing on essential links to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and other regions.

The BRO is advancing work on the 2.79 km Sungal tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at reducing travel time to Rajouri and Poonch. The breakthrough blast for this tunnel, part of National Highway 144A, was completed in May, marking a significant step towards facilitating travel through hilly areas and cutting down the journey time to Rajouri and Poonch.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is nearing the completion of significant infrastructure projects along the China border. These include critical road sections on a new route to Leh aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity, with completion anticipated in the coming weeks. Operating under the Defence Ministry, the BRO is also advancing projects under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) programme. This includes efforts to achieve full connectivity to the Lipulekh Pass on the Mansarovar Yatra Road in Uttarakhand, as reported by the Indian Express. Leh can currently be reached via three routes. One route runs through Srinagar-Zoji La-Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir, while another traverses Manali-Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh. This second route splits at Darcha, offering one path to Leh via Padam and Nimu, and another that crosses several mountain passes, including Baralacha La in Himachal Pradesh and Tanglang La in Ladakh, before reaching Leh. The BRO is concentrating on completing the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, with the final 4-kilometre stretch expected to be finished soon. In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Shinkun La Tunnel project, the world's highest at 15,800 feet, with full-scale construction anticipated to begin shortly. The Rs 16.81 billion tunnel will shorten the Manali-Leh route by 60 km and link the uncompleted section of the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, establishing a third all-weather route. The BRO is also prioritizing the Leh-Demchok road in eastern Ladakh, with most of the work nearly complete and plans to expand it to a double-lane road. Since 2020, border infrastructure development in Ladakh and the Northeast has accelerated, with the BRO's budget increasing by 30 percent to Rs 6,500 crore this year. Under the ICBR project's initial phases, the BRO has earmarked four roads totalling 330.95 km in Arunachal Pradesh. Plans are also in place to submit detailed project reports for 14 roads under ICBR phase III, focusing on essential links to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and other regions. The BRO is advancing work on the 2.79 km Sungal tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at reducing travel time to Rajouri and Poonch. The breakthrough blast for this tunnel, part of National Highway 144A, was completed in May, marking a significant step towards facilitating travel through hilly areas and cutting down the journey time to Rajouri and Poonch.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..