After Rohtang, 4 more tunnels to ease access to Chinese frontiers

SHIMLA : Even as the work on the strategic Rohtang tunnel progresses slowly, the defence ministry has decided to construct four more tunnels to effect all-weather connectivity with treacherous roads linking the Chinese frontiers in Leh and Ladakh.

The four proposed tunnels will cut through lofty mountain passes in the Himalayan and Zanskar mountain ranges to facilitate year-round movement of vehicles to border areas.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), India’s elite agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of borders roads, has already engaged Italian consultants to conduct feasibility studies for the tunnels. Once built, it will cut through the avalanche-prone Shinkula pass – which connects Lahaul valley in Himachal to Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Though the 16,703-ft-high pass has no glaciers, it is highly prone to avalanches during snowy winters.

It was only last year that the BRO completed the 39.6-km stretch to connect Lahaul valley with Zanskar.

The stretch connecting Darcha with Shinkula pass will also drastically reduce travel time between Manali and Leh. Experts say that the road, besides being of strategic importance, will improve connectivity for residents of the 15-odd villages in Zanskar valley.

The road will also aid the construction of a tunnel being planned beneath Shinkula pass. “The BRO has hired experts from Italy-based Geodata to conduct a feasibility study,” a senior official told HT. This tunnel is aimed at reducing the distance between Manali and Leh.

Besides , the defence ministry has proposed the construction of a 11.25-km-long tunnel beneath the 16,040-feet Baralachala pass in Zanskar range.

The last tunnel on the ManaliLeh road will be constructed below the 16,598-feet Lachungla pass, which is on Himachal Jammu and Kashmir boundary. It will be located just 25 km from Sarchu.