PM Modi to Initiate Construction of World’s Highest Tunnel in Ladakh on Kargil War Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will remotely commence the construction of the Shinku La tunnel in Ladakh on Friday, marking the “first blast” from the Kargil war memorial in Dras. This event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Kargil war, where PM Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers. The Shinku La tunnel, situated at an altitude of 15,800 ft, will provide all-weather connectivity from Manali to Leh via the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha axis. Upon completion, it will become the world’s highest tunnel, surpassing China’s Mila tunnel at 15,590 ft.

The tunnel’s construction, expected to be completed in four years, is a strategic move to enhance military mobility and logistics support for forces deployed in the Ladakh sector. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road, which reached connectivity in March 2024 and is currently being blacktopped, will offer a third route to Ladakh, reducing the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km to 295 km.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China in eastern Ladakh, with no resolution in sight for the five-year-long military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Shinku La tunnel, spanning 4.1 km, will provide a shorter and more efficient route compared to the traditional Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has significantly enhanced India’s strategic infrastructure, completing 330 projects worth ₹8,737 crore in the last three years. These projects have bolstered the strategic mobility of Indian armed forces along the China border. BRO is also finalizing a critical project to provide alternative connectivity to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), India’s northernmost military base near the LAC, with the construction of a 130-km road from Sasoma in the Nubra Valley to DBO nearing completion.

India’s push for robust border infrastructure has been marked by the rapid execution of strategic projects, increased funding, and the adoption of advanced technologies. The BRO has been allocated a capital outlay of ₹6,500 crore in the defence budget for 2024-25, reflecting a 30% increase from FY 2023-24 and a 160% increase from FY 2021-22.