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.

"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."

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.

Real Estate

26 Jun 2026

AGM Vijaylaxmi launches Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark

AGM Vijaylaxmi Group has launched Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark, a mixed-use commercial development in Goregaon East, Mumbai. The project includes contemporary office spaces and a high-street retail component designed to support businesses, retailers and professionals.Located along the Western Express Highway, Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark is planned as a G+25-storey commercial tower. It offers office spaces ranging from 545 sq ft to 3,200 sq ft, with a 3.60 metre floor-to-floor height aimed at improving spatial comfort, natural light and operational efficiency.The project features a high-street retail boulevard ..

Real Estate

26 Jun 2026

Manglam Group to Develop Sheraton Hotel in Jaipur

Manglam Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to develop a Sheraton hotel on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway in Jaipur. The project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of around Rs 3.5 billion across more than 300,000 sq ft.The hotel marks Manglam Group’s third collaboration with Marriott International and forms part of its Rs 10 billion hospitality investment roadmap. The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group and CEO, Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding Greater China, Marriott Interna..

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jun 2026

India Warehousing Show 2026 opens at YashoBhoomi

India's warehousing, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem came together as the 15th edition of India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2026 opened at YashoBhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi on June 25 (Thursday). Organised by RX India, the three-day event will run from 25-27 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, and supply chain professionals under one roof. It also features a two-day knowledge conference that will run alongside the exhibition. Inaugurated by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary - Logistics, DPIIT..