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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..