PM Modi to Launch Construction of World's Highest Tunnel at Shinkun La

PM Modi to Launch Construction of World's Highest Tunnel at Shinkun La

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the "first blast" marking the commencement of the Shinkun La tunnel construction today. This tunnel, designed for alternate all-weather connectivity and improved troop mobility to Ladakh, is a crucial strategic project by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

The Shinkun La tunnel will span 4.1 kilometers and will be constructed at an altitude of 15,800 feet, making it the highest tunnel in the world upon completion, surpassing China's Mi La tunnel. The project, approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security in February last year, is expected to cost Rs 1,681 crore and will take at least two years to complete.

The construction of this tunnel is part of a broader initiative to enhance infrastructure along India's northern borders, particularly with China. This focus remains critical amidst the ongoing military tensions in the region, now entering its fifth year. The BRO recently established connectivity on the 298-km Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh, which will serve as a third access route to the area. However, the Shinkun Pass, where the tunnel will be located, is typically snowbound for about five months each year, highlighting the need for an all-weather tunnel.

The Shinkun La tunnel will feature cross-passages every 500 meters, ensuring safety and accessibility. The project is expected to significantly improve the movement of troops and heavy weapon systems and foster economic and social development in Ladakh.

Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top military officials, will conduct the groundbreaking ceremony virtually during his visit to the Kargil war memorial in Drass. This event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Kargil conflict, where 527 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives and 1,363 were injured during operations to evict Pakistani intruders from the region.

The construction of tunnels like Shinkun La is part of India's broader strategy to bolster its infrastructure along sensitive borders. The recently inaugurated Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, built at an altitude of over 13,000 feet, exemplifies this effort. Tunnels also offer potential uses for the underground storage of ammunition, missiles, fuel, and other supplies, further enhancing the country's strategic capabilities.