New LAC Road to DBO Will Cut Travel Time to 12 Hours

23 Jul 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Resources

11 May 2026

JSW One Elevates Mayank Gupta as CFO

JSW One Platforms has elevated Mayank Gupta as Chief Financial Officer as the company strengthens its leadership team to support its next phase of growth and institutional expansion.Gupta, who earlier served as Chief Operating Officer, has played a key role in scaling the company’s integrated commerce, supply chain and finance ecosystem. In his new role, he will oversee strategic finance, treasury, governance, capital allocation and financial planning.Gaurav Sachdeva, Joint Managing Director and CEO, JSW One Platforms, said Gupta’s operational understanding and financial expertise make him..

Infrastructure Urban

11 May 2026

India and EU Launch 15.2 Million Euro EV Battery Recycling Initiative

India and the European Union launched a third coordinated call for proposals on the recycling of electric vehicle batteries under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group two on five May 2026, with submissions due on 15 September 2026. The initiative is aimed at securing critical raw materials and accelerating the transition to a circular economy while deepening bilateral relations. The announcement was made by officials from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and the European Commission. The call has a combined funding pool of 15.2 million euros (15.2 mn euros) and ..

Infrastructure Urban

11 May 2026

Aptus Value Posts Strong FY26 Results And Asset Quality

Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited on six May 2026 reported results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026. Assets under management (AUM) stood at Rs 131.07 bn, up 21 per cent year on year. The company said improved field execution and sustained demand supported the growth. Disbursements in the fourth quarter were Rs 12.42 bn, up 17 per cent year on year, and full year disbursements were Rs 40.09 bn, up 11 per cent. Total income for FY26 was Rs 22.46 bn, up 25 per cent, and net profit for the year was Rs 9.43 bn, a rise of 26 per cent. Quarterly net profit was Rs 2.61 bn. For the ..