The Defence ministry has asked the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to build a 4.25-kilometre tunnel under the 5,091-metre-high Shinkun La pass to make an all-weather axis from Manali to Leh via Darcha-Padum-Nimmu alignment, says Hindustan Times.
- The axis will remain totally snow-free round the year allowing movement of both troops and equipment to feed Ladakh, Kargil and Siachen sectors.
- The 4.25km tunnel will have longitudinal ventilation using banana fans, which require minimum electricity and operational costs.
- The Darcha-Padum-Nimmu road is 297-kilometre long with 100km already converted into double lane.
- The present Manali-Sarchu-Upshi-Leh road goes over four high mountain passes of around 5,000-metre in height even after construction of Atal tunnel under Rohtang pass and remains snowed for at least two to three months during winter.
- The four passes on present Manali-Leh route are: Baralacha La (16500 feet), Nakee La (15547 feet), Lachung La (16616 feet) and Tanglang La (17480 feet).
(Source: Hindustan Times)
